Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
MUMS ARE TOLD: NO SAFE CAFFEINE LEVEL I admit that, yes, Polly put the kettle on COMMENT
POLLY HUDSON,
MIDWIVES are backing a call from scientists for a “radical revision” of health guidelines so mums-to-be are told to cut their caffeine intake to zero during pregnancy.
Caffeine consumption in any amount during pregnancy is bad for the baby, according to an analysis published in the BMJ Evidence Based Medicine.
NHS guidance, which recommends limiting caffeine intake in pregnancy to 200mg a day, equal to two mugs of instant coffee, could now be changed.
Dr Mary Ross-davie, of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “There is a need to ensure women are able to make informed choices about what they eat and drink during pregnancy.
“Midwives will support women to do that, taking into account this latest research. It is important that all available evidence is considered to shape UK
This probably seems like the last straw for pregnant women.
They already have to make so many sacrifices, so not even being allowed a cuppa will threaten to send many over the edge.
When I first read this new advice I rolled my eyes, thinking back to how much I enjoyed the cups of tea that were pretty much the only pleasure left when I was pregnant – and they haven’t done my son any harm.
Then I remembered there was a time women said that about cigarettes. Doctors are constantly learning, so their advice is ever-changing.
Giving up caffeine is boring, but it’s just not worth the risk.
And think how amazing that first cuppa will taste when you can have it again... and about five years after that, when you next get to drink one that hasn’t long gone cold.