You rely on a cup of coffee to get through your day--but then you learn you are expecting. Because the things you eat and drink can harm your baby, caffeine can be one of the stimulants that impact your baby's health if consumed in excessive amounts. In addition to concerns for the baby, caffeine can affect an expectant mother's body in more pronounced ways, such as greater dehydration.
A Diuretic
Water is important to an expectant mom's and baby's development. Because a mother is drinking for two, drinking enough water can become a challenge. Drinking caffeine can increase how frequently a woman need to go to the bathroom, according to the American Pregnancy Association (APA). The increased urination can lead to dehydration, which can be harmful to both mother and baby.
Miscarriage When Consumed in Excess
The risk of miscarriage related to caffeine consumption was studied in a March 2008 issue of the "American Journal of Obstetrics," according to BabyCenter. The study found that expectant moms who consumed more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day experienced double the risk of miscarriage as those who did not drink caffeine. An 8-ounce brewed cup of coffee contains 137 milligrams of caffeine, according to the March of Dimes, meaning you should not consume more than 10 ounces of coffee per day.
Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it causes a number of responses in the body, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. For pregnant women, caffeine can have additional effects. As your pregnancy progresses, your body breaks down ingested caffeine more slowly. It stays in your body longer and can result in additional effects, such as feelings of nervousness and difficulty sleeping.
Contributes to Heartburn
When you consume caffeine, it reaches the stomach and causes an increased amount of stomach acid to be secreted, according to BabyCenter. This can contribute to a greater incidence of heartburn.
Slows Baby's Development
Caffeine can cross your placental membrane, according to Time and the APA. As an adult, your body can handle the caffeine it ingests; your baby cannot because its metabolism has not fully developed, according to the APA. Just as caffeine affects you, it can affect your baby to an even greater degree, including movement patterns and sleep.
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