IS CAFFEINE, which is present in tea, coffee and coke, harmful to pregnant women and foetuses? Although there have been indications to the contrary, a recent Canadian study has found evidence that expectant mothers who take caffeine before and during pregnancy may run a greater risk of foetal death (Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol 270, No 34).

This study supports earlier animal-studies, which in 1980 prompted the US Food and Drug Administration to caution pregnant women to limit their caffeine intake.