Reproduction and caffeine consumption--a literature review.

Caffeine containing drinks are commonly consumed by pregnant women, but definitive studies concerning safety to the fetus are still awaited. This literature review highlights the methodological problems in mounting appropriate studies and assessing those publications that are available. Currently there is little to implicate caffeine consumption with congenital malformations or preterm delivery, but there may be associations with subfertility, miscarriage and intrauterine growth retardation. Definitive prospective studies are required.