Pregnancy can be a time to forget about dieting, but you will need to make some dietary changes in order to grow a healthy baby. According to Penny Simkin et al., authors of "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide," caffeine is one substance you must consume with caution. Anything you eat or drink can reach your developing baby and too much caffeine can have a negative impact on her development.
Increases Your Risk of Miscarriage
Consuming large amounts of caffeine has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, reports KidsHealth. When you find out you are pregnant, it is wise to stop drinking beverages that contain caffeine, including coffee, tea and soda. You should also limit your servings of foods with caffeine, such as chocolate. KidsHealth cautions you to consume less caffeine than what is in two cups of coffee. Try substituting decaffeinated coffee or tea so you do not have to give up the taste of your favorite beverage. A small serving of chocolate each day is not harmful, adds KidsHealth. Any more than these suggestions and you may elevate your risk of having a miscarriage.
May Prevent Healthy Development
Any caffeine you consume passes through your blood, into your placenta and eventually reaches your growing baby, notes BabyCenter. Too much caffeine can cause your baby's blood vessels to constrict, which may prevent proper development. Caffeine can also decrease how much fluid surrounds your baby. A lack of fluid can prevent your baby from absorbing enough calcium, a nutrient essential for proper growth, adds Simkin et al. BabyCenter reports that undescended testes in male babies may be linked to high caffeine consumption during pregnancy as well.
Raises Baby's Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
Caffeine is a stimulant, note Simkin et al., which can elevate your blood pressure and heart rate. An increase in blood pressure and heart rate can cause you to feel jittery and can impact how well you are able to fall asleep and stay asleep. High intake of caffeine can have similar effects on your unborn baby. It can cause your baby to be more active and can increase her heart rate. It may also impact how well you baby is able to sleep after she is born. BabyCenter adds that babies with mothers who drank more than 500 mg of caffeine per day, or the equivalent of about five cups of coffee, had faster breathing rates as well.
References
- "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide"; Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, Ann Keppler, April Bolding and Janelle Durham; 2010
- KidsHealth: Staying Healthy During Pregnancy
- BabyCenter: Caffeine during pregnancy
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