The ingredients found in energy drinks affect not only you but also your unborn baby if you consume them during pregnancy. Many energy drinks contain more caffeine than a cup of coffee, according to the Centers for Science of the Public Interest. Although the March of Dimes suggests that pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to less than 200mg of caffeine each day, you may want to limit your caffeine consumption even more during pregnancy if you experience undesirable effects from your energy drinks. In addition, some energy drinks contain vitamins, minerals or herbal supplements, some of which may not be safe during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor before consuming any energy drink during pregnancy.
Stimulant Effects
Most energy drinks are designed to provide consumers with a quick energy boost. They work to speed up central nervous system, which increases your heart rate and blood pressure. This stimulation of the central nervous system may also cause insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, increased urination, headaches, muscle tremors or mood changes. Since the caffeine in energy drinks crosses the placenta, your unborn baby may experience similar stimulation effects, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Pregnancy Effects
The caffeine and other stimulant ingredients in energy drinks may decrease the amount of blood flowing to the placenta, which may have negative effects on the baby, according to the March of Dimes. As of October 2010, the research on other pregnancy complications caused by consuming caffeine during pregnancy is conflicting. Although research is ongoing, it is possible that you may increase your chance of miscarriage or pregnancy complications if you consume large amounts of caffeine while pregnant. Discuss the latest research on this subject with your doctor before deciding if drinking energy drinks during your pregnancy is worth the risk.
Newborn Effects
Your newborn baby may have faster breathing and heart rate or sleep less during the first few days of life if you consume large quantities of energy drinks during pregnancy, according to the March of Dimes. The potential effects energy drinks may have on a baby's growth and development during pregnancy is conflicting, however. It is possible that your baby may have a lower birth weight if you consume energy drinks during pregnancy, especially if you consume large quantities each day, but this has not been scientifically proven.
References
- Centers for Science in the Public Interest: Caffeine Content of Food & Drugs
- March of Dimes: Caffeine in Pregnancy
- American Pregnancy Association: What's the Real Scoop on Caffeine During Pregnancy
- BabyCenter: Caffeine During Pregnancy
- MayoClinic.com: Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Caffeine and Your Body
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