Smoking in pregnancy increases risk of premature birth threefold, study finds

Drinking some tea and coffee does not harm babies, but smoking is twice as bad as previously thought, according to new research. The NHS recommends that pregnant women should drink no more than 200mg of caffeine a day, equivalent to two cups of instant coffee or tea. They should also stop smoking. This is because drinking large amounts of caffeine and smoking have been associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications, premature birth and foetal growth restriction.