Computerized cardiotocography and fetal heart response to maternal coffee intake: a prospective study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of caffeine on fetal heart rate (FHR) as determined by computerized cardiotocography (cCTG) parameters. METHODS: Term pregnancies that performed a fetal antepartum cCTG were included. Two physicians recorded coffee habits before the cCTG, and pregnant women were divided into two groups: the coffee group and the control group. Furthermore, cCTG' parameters were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four pregnant women were enrolled. Based on maternal coffee habits, 82 pregnant women were allocated to the coffee group, while 52 were in the control group. The two groups shared similar demographic and obstetric characteristics. The mean daily coffee intake was 1.4 +/- 0.6 cups. Coffee group fetuses evidenced a lower FHR baseline, 135 +/- 9.9 bpm, versus the control group, 138 +/- 8.0 bpm, (P value = 0.03). Other cCTG parameters did not show statistical differences. Multivariate analysis demonstrated no confounding factors. A subanalysis that evaluated the daily amount of coffee consumed or the half-life of caffeine found no difference in cCTG measures. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal caffeine consumption did not influence fetal cardiac reactivity after absorption.