Caffeinated beverages and low birthweight: a case-control study

A case-control study, examining the effect of first trimester maternal caffeine consumption on low birthweight, was performed in the Kaiser Permanent Medical Care Program. Heavy consumption (greater than 3 servings/day) of coffee, cola and greater than 300 mg/day of caffeine from all sources (coffee, tea and cola) was associated with a marginally increased risk of low birthweight. Our data support previous findings of a modest effect of caffeine consumption on fetal growth.