Drinking large amounts of coffee while pregnant could hinder fetal development, according to medical specialists.

Experienced obstetricians and gynaecologists are warning pregnant women to limit their coffee consumption, as excessive caffeine intake during pregnancy can lead to complications such as miscarriage, hypertension, and poor foetal growth, according to specialists who spoke with PUNCH HealthWise.

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These specialists note that while individuals may react differently to caffeine, high intake during pregnancy can cause restlessness and jitteriness, depriving women of much-needed rest, and the World Health Organisation states that caffeine is a stimulant that crosses the placenta and can affect the developing baby in large amounts.

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The World Health Organisation also notes that excessive caffeine intake can disrupt the mother's normal body balance and sleep pattern, affecting the baby's development, and similarly, the United Kingdom's National Health Service advises pregnant women to limit their daily caffeine intake to 200 milligrams.

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The UK's National Health Service links excessive caffeine consumption to miscarriage and low birth weight, and points out that some tea, chocolate, and carbonated drinks also contain caffeine, highlighting the need for pregnant women to be mindful of their overall caffeine intake.

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Dr Joseph Akinde, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, advises pregnant women to avoid coffee due to its stimulant effects, saying "Coffee is a stimulant, and for most people, it will make them jittery and restless, which is not ideal during pregnancy".

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Akinde explains that adequate rest is essential during pregnancy, and anything that interferes with sleep, such as coffee, may not be advisable, recommending that pregnant women get at least eight hours of sleep daily.

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The reproductive health expert warns that excessive caffeine intake can lead to complications such as high blood pressure and poor pregnancy outcomes, as it can make the body overactive and restless, potentially affecting blood pressure.

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Akinde notes that inadequate rest and excessive stimulation can interfere with normal foetal development, potentially causing foetal growth restriction, saying "The baby may not develop as it should because the mother is not having adequate rest".

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Dr Stanley Egbogu, a consultant gynaecologist, also warns that excessive coffee consumption during pregnancy carries serious risks, including miscarriage, early delivery, and foetal growth restriction.

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Egbogu explains that caffeine can reach the unborn baby through the placenta, and the baby is unable to metabolise it, causing it to accumulate and potentially interfere with normal development.

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The consultant gynaecologist notes that excessive caffeine intake can overstimulate the mother's body, increasing heart rate, causing restlessness, and affecting sleep quality, all of which can contribute to pregnancy complications.

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Egbogu points out that many pregnant women unknowingly consume caffeine from various sources, such as tea, soft drinks, and chocolate, and may exceed the recommended limits, with a standard cup of coffee containing between 80 and 100 milligrams of caffeine.

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He advises pregnant women to be cautious with their caffeine intake, saying "If it must be taken, it should be in moderation and under control, but generally, it is safer to avoid it during pregnancy to reduce preventable risks".