Abstract:
Introduction. During pregnancy, caffeine (an alkaloid of the purine class, a natural
substance found in the seeds, leaves, and fruits of more than 60 plant
species, also called 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is consumed by about 75%
of pregnant women. Because the consumption of this active substance is
relatively increased during pregnancy (300 mg/day), the following
question was asked: Is there a risk of developing a negative impact on
the fetus in pregnancy?
Objective of the study. The work was carried out with the
aim of elucidating some associations
in caffeine consumption (taking into
account also the amount of caffeine
consumed per day) and the
consequences that may occur in the
fetus during pregnancy and after.
Methods. The research was carried out by
studying scientific articles from
different periods in order to observe
some differences between the
hypotheses put forward, as well as the
progress made in order to determine
the consequences for the health of the
mother and fetus.
Results. It is believed that caffeine can affect the fetus in pregnancy due to the fact
that:
Being a fat-soluble substance, it is able to break through the placental barrier.
CYP1A2, the main enzyme involved in the metabolism of caffeine, is absent in
the placenta and the organism of the fetus. The effect of caffeine is potential in
the last trimester when its elimination from the maternal organism decreases by
3 times, and the concentration in the blood increases by 75%.
The negative effect is manifested by the
following physiological mechanisms:
Caffeine can lead to inhibition of
phosphodiesterase and antagonization of
adenosine actions, decreased intervillous
placental flow, increased levels of
maternal epinephrine and cyclic 3,5-
monophosphate, catecholamines; risk of
miscarriage, low birth weight (a reduction
of 60-90 g, which increases the risk of
perinatal morbidity), risk of Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome (in case of consumption
>400mg/day), increased homocysteine
levels (which leads to endothelial and
cardiovascular diseases).
Conclusion. It is believed that caffeine will have a detrimental effect only in case of
excessive consumption. According to the recommendation of medical
specialists, the amount that can be consumed by pregnant women is less than
200 mg/day (equivalent to 2 cups of espresso).
