Document Type
Research
Abstract
In 1974, the first studies looking at the effect of caffeine use on pregnancy were published. These studies have continued, partly due to the conflicting nature of the results. Some have concluded that caffeine use in pregnancy is safe, while others believe caffeine use can increase risks for intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight infants. The hypothesis that caffeine may affect a fetus is plausible, as caffeine crosses the placental barrier, increases maternal epinephrine and is metabolized more slowly by the mother during pregnancy. There has also been the suggestion that a relationship between caffeine use and fetal growth is confounded by tobacco use. Since 1980, the FDA has recommended that women refrain from caffeine during pregnancy. Regardless, 75 percent of women continue to use some form of caffeine during pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to review literature on the epidemiologic relationship between caffeine use during pregnancy and low birth weight infants.
Publication Date
2005
Journal Title
International Journal of Global Health and Health Disparities
Volume
4
Issue
1
First Page
73
Last Page
79
Copyright
©2005 International Journal of Global Health and Health Disparities
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Purcell, Jessica
(2005)
"Maternal Caffeine Intake and Low Birth Weight: Is There a Relationship?,"
International Journal of Global Health and Health Disparities, 4(1), 73-79.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/ijghhd/vol4/iss1/9