A recent investigation has not identified any significant connections between coffee consumption during pregnancy and developmental issues in children.
A study led by the University of Queensland found no substantial connections between coffee drinking during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental problems in children. However, researchers still recommend that expectant mothers adhere to medical advice regarding caffeine intake.
Dr. Gunn-Helen Moen and PhD student Shannon D’Urso from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) conducted an extensive genetic analysis using data from numerous families in Norway.
“In Scandinavia, coffee is consumed in large amounts—typically at least four cups daily—and there is little disapproval of drinking it during pregnancy,” Dr. Moen explained.
“Our research analyzed genetic information from mothers, fathers, and their children, alongside surveys about the parents’ coffee habits both before and during pregnancy.
Participants also provided insights regarding their child’s development up to the age of eight, focusing on areas such as social skills, motor function, and language abilities.”
“Our findings indicated no relationship between coffee consumption during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental difficulties in children.”
The team noted that physiological changes in pregnancy may hinder the breakdown of caffeine, which can cross the placenta to the fetus, where it cannot be metabolized.
While it was previously believed that caffeine buildup could affect the developing brain of the fetus, Dr. Moen pointed out that earlier observational studies often failed to consider other factors like alcohol, smoking, or inadequate nutrition.
“We employed a method known as Mendelian randomisation, which utilizes genetic markers that predict coffee drinking patterns and helps isolate the impact of various factors during pregnancy,” she stated.
“This approach simulates a randomized controlled trial without posing any risks to pregnant women or their babies.
“A key advantage of this method is that it allows us to dissect the effects of caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and diet, enabling a focused examination of caffeine’s role during pregnancy.”
The researchers use genetic analysis to explore complex traits and diseases, particularly in early development. Dr. Moen’s previous research indicated that coffee consumption during pregnancy did not affect birth weight, miscarriage, or stillbirth risks.
They stress the importance of adhering to healthcare professionals’ recommendations to limit caffeine intake during pregnancy, as it may affect other pregnancy-related outcomes.
The research team is now aiming to use similar methods to further explore the genetic and environmental factors contributing to neurodiversity and how these influence brain development during pregnancy.
The research involved international collaborators from Norway, including Professor Alexandra Havdahl at the PsychGen Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Mental Health, as well as IMB’s Caroline Brito Nunes, Dr. Daniel Hwang, and Professor David Evans. The study utilized data from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa).
The findings were published in Psychological Medicine.
