Heavy coffee consumption during pregnancy may slow baby’s growth — Experts

July 26, 2026 2:33 am

Iyanuoluwa Abiola

Seasoned obstetricians and gynaecologists have cautioned pregnant women against high coffee intake, warning that excessive caffeine consumption during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage, hypertension and poor foetal growth.

The specialists, who spoke exclusively with PUNCH HealthWise, said although individuals respond differently to caffeine, high intake during pregnancy could make the woman restless and jittery, depriving her of the much needed rest.

According to the World Health Organisation, caffeine is a stimulant that crosses the placenta and, in high amounts, may affect the developing baby.

The global health body added that excessive intake may affect the baby’s development, especially when it disrupts the mother’s normal body balance and sleep pattern.

Similarly, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service advises pregnant women to limit caffeine intake to 200 milligrams daily, linking excessive consumption to miscarriage and low birth weight, and noting that some tea, chocolate and carbonated drinks also contain caffeine.

An obstetrician and gynaecologist, reproductive health expert, and former Chairman of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, Dr Joseph Akinde, advised pregnant women to avoid coffee because of its stimulant effects on the body.

“Coffee is a stimulant. For most people, it will make them jittery and restless, and that is not ideal during pregnancy,” Akinde said

The obstetrician and gynaecologist explained that adequate rest is essential during pregnancy, noting that anything that interferes with sleep may not be advisable.

“When you are pregnant, you need optimal rest. It is recommended that a pregnant woman should have a minimum of eight hours of sleep daily. If coffee makes you stay awake, then it may not be good for your system,” the reproductive health expert added.

Akinde warned that excessive caffeine intake could lead to complications such as high blood pressure and poor pregnancy outcomes.

“When taken excessively, it makes the body overactive and restless. That is not the kind of condition you want for a pregnant woman. It may even affect blood pressure, which can be dangerous,” the gynaecologist cautioned.

Speaking on its effect on the unborn baby, he said inadequate rest and excessive stimulation could interfere with normal foetal development.

“There may be some form of foetal growth restriction. The baby may not develop as it should because the mother is not having adequate rest,” Akinde noted.

Also, a consultant gynaecologist, Dr Stanley Egbogu, said excessive coffee consumption during pregnancy carries serious risks.

“When you take coffee in higher doses, it is associated with complications such as miscarriage, early delivery and foetal growth restriction,” Egbogu said.

The consultant gynaecologist explained that caffeine does not only affect the mother but also reaches the unborn baby through the placenta.

“The caffeine passes through the placenta to the baby, and the baby does not have the capacity to metabolise it the way an adult would. So, it tends to accumulate and may interfere with normal development,” he explained.

Egbogu added that excessive caffeine intake could overstimulate the mother’s body.

“It can increase heart rate, cause restlessness, and even affect sleep quality. All of these can contribute to pregnancy complications because the body is expected to remain stable,” the consultant gynaecologist said.

He noted that many pregnant women unknowingly consume caffeine from different sources and may exceed recommended limits.

“For instance, a standard cup of coffee may contain between 80 and 100 milligrams of caffeine, so taking two to three cups daily can already approach or exceed the recommended limit,” Egbogu said.

“It is not just coffee. Some teas, soft drinks and even chocolate contain caffeine. So, when you add everything together, the intake may be higher than expected,” he added.

He advised pregnant women to be cautious with caffeine intake.

“If it must be taken, it should be in moderation and under control. But generally, from a medical standpoint, it is safer to avoid it during pregnancy to reduce preventable risks,” Egbogu advised.

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