Untitled Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions about Consuming Caffeine During Pregnancy 1. During pregnancy, the fetus receives all of its oxygen and nutrients from the mother through the placenta.
Caffeine also passes easily from the mother to the fetus through the placenta.
However, large amounts of caffeine have been associated with heart defects in a very small number of babies. Large amounts of caffeine have also been related to lower birthweight and a higher number of miscarriages. Studies have found behavioral effects that include a slightly higher heart rate, more startles and tremors, and difficulties in visual orientation. Very little work has been done in this area. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that prenatal exposure to caffeine has any long-term, harmful effects.