Effects of Caffeine on the Developing Fetus

Caffeine crosses the placenta and may even concentrate in the fetal circulation. Concern about its effect on fetal development stems from animal studies, where it has been found to be teratogenic when fed to pregnant rats in high doses; a dose equivalent to 150 cups of strong coffee per day causes malformations in rodents such as missing limbs and digits. However, caffeine does not appear to be a teratogen in h humans. The average pregnant woman is estimated to consume 144 milligrams per day of caffeine, which presents no danger to a developing fetus. Even women who consume fairly large amounts of caffeine (more than 400 milligrams per day) during pregnancy do not increase their risk of having a baby with a congenital malformation. And despite old wives' warnings, prenatal exposure to caffeine does not stunt fetal growth; nor, according to one study of seven-year-olds whose mothers drank caffeinated beverages during pregnancy, does it have any effect on a child's later IQ.

Moderate consumption of Caffeine appears to have no impact on a child's IQ; however, massive consumption causes deformities in rats.