Skip navigation

 

This content requires Adobe Flash Player (version 8) and JavaScript must be enabled.


Get Adobe Flash playerGet Flash



For closed captioning, click the CC button on the lower right-hand corner of the player.

Coffee, Tea and Bad Conduct



HealthDay
July 9, 2012


Related MedlinePlus Pages

Transcript

 
Many expectant women give up caffeine due to fears that it will harm their growing baby. New research out of the Netherlands may allay one of their caffeine concerns. The aim of the study was to compare prenatal caffeine intake of the Moms against their children's behavior at age 5. More than 8-thousand pregnant women filled out a questionnaire about the types and amounts of coffee, tea and cola they consumed during one specific week. Researchers then calculated their average caffeine intake per day. Years later, most participated in the follow-up, filling out a behavioral screening survey about their child. The results: Prenatal caffeine intake was not associated with a higher risk for hyperactivity, attention problems, emotional issues, bad conduct, or peer relationship challenges. While this study found no link between caffeine and behavior problems, there are other studies that suggest too much of this stimulant may increase the risk of miscarriage. The March of Dimes recommends that women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant consume no more than 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day. I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news that doctors are reading: health news for healthier living.