In the article by Harald Gaier on healthy pregnancies and deliveries (WDDTY, vol 11 no 9), what drew our attention was the reference to coffee and caffeine's effect on pregnancy and miscarriage.

Your article stated that coffee consumed even in small quantities increases the risk of spontaneous abortion. However, we have studies that show coffee consumed in moderate amounts during pregnancy are not harmful.

In addition, you associate coffee with low birthweight babies. The vast majority of scientific research does not reveal a consistent association between moderate caffeine use and birthweight of babies. The most recent peer reviewed study by Santos et al. (Am J Epidemiol, 1998; 147: 620-7) of 1205 women found no effect of caffeine on low birthweight, preterm births or intrauterine growth retardation.

An additional study conducted by Mills et al. (J Am Med Assoc, 1993; 269, 593-7) suggests that caffeine is not associated with preterm delivery or shortened gestation.

The centre for Pregnancy and Nutrition recommends that pregnant women keep their consumption to 4-6 cups of coffee per day. Laura McKeever, Coffee News Information Service.....

WDDTY replies: And you are from. . .