According to an article written by Baltimore Sun columnist Jonathan Bor, the study conducted by the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine clearly indicated that those who were unable to cut out caffeine during pregnancy had a history of family alcohol abuse, indicating that such women may need extra help kicking the caffeine habit. 

For years, pregnant women have been advised to eliminate caffeine products such as coffee, tea, caffeinated sodas, chocolate, and any other such substances that may cause stunted fetal growth or even miscarriage when assumed in large quantities.

Those who were unable to quit, according to the article, noted that they were troubled by serious headaches, withdrawal symptoms, inability to concentrate, and unrelenting cravings, and were unable to carry out normal everyday tasks when denied caffeine consumption.

  The co-author of the study, Dace Svikis, also indicated that the same women who had difficulty with caffeine withdrawal had indicated past problematic alcohol and cigarette use. 

“This suggests that caffeine dependence may be a useful marker for risk of dependence on other drugs of abuse," Dr. Svikis notes in the article.  About a dozen years ago, caffeine was determined to be an addictive drug after many studies indicated similarities between caffeine and other addictive substances.

The findings of the study indicate the need for supportive spouses or other family members to encourage pregnant women not to consume caffeine, therefore ensuring that more babies will survive and be born at a healthy weight.