Caffeine is found in a number of different foods, including coffee, tea, chocolate and some sodas, as well as some over-the-counter medications. During pregnancy -- especially during the first trimester -- you should pay attention to your caffeine consumption because there is a chance that consuming too much caffeine may affect your baby, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Caffeine Effects
Caffeine has a stimulant effect on the body, causing your heart rate to speed up and your blood pressure to increase. It also has a diuretic effect, increasing the amount of urine that your body produces. Some people are particularly sensitive to caffeine, according to the March of Dimes, and this includes many pregnant women. Caffeine stays in your body longer if you are pregnant. Those who are sensitive to caffeine may experience side effects, including trouble sleeping, being jittery and having indigestion.
Pregnancy and Caffeine
Caffeine can cross into the placenta and reach your baby, which is problematic since babies aren't able to handle caffeine as well as adults. They lack sufficient amounts of the necessary enzyme, according to Motherisk. The increased urination caused by caffeine intake can lead to dehydration, and the increases in blood pressure and heart rate are also not good for the baby, says the American Pregnancy Association.
Warning
Consuming more than a moderate amount of caffeine during pregnancy may increase the risk for miscarriage, birth defects, low birth weight, preterm delivery and stillbirths, according to the March of Dimes. However, more research needs to be done to determine how much of a risk exists and at what levels of caffeine intake the risk increases.
Considerations
Those in their first trimester of pregnancy will want to be particularly careful with their caffeine intake, as this is when most miscarriages occur. The definition of moderate caffeine intake varies, ranging from 150 mg per day to 300 mg per day, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Keeping track of caffeine intake can be difficult, as the amount contained in various products varies depending on a number of factors. For example, the type of coffee, the brand, how it is prepared and how it is served can all affect the caffeine content, according to the March of Dimes.
Expert Insight
According to a study done by the CARE Study Group published in the "British Journal of Medicine" in 2008, the risk of restrictions to fetal growth may increase with higher caffeine consumption, and this risk varies based on how quickly the mother's body can clear caffeine. The study group recommended that women restrict caffeine starting before they conceive and continuing throughout their entire pregnancy.
References
- American Pregnancy Association: What's the Real Scoop on Caffeine During Pregnancy
- March of Dimes; Caffeine in Pregnancy
- Motherisk: Caffeine During Pregnancy?: In Moderation
- "British Medical Journal"; Maternal Caffeine Intake During Pregnancy and Risk of Fetal Growth Restriction: A Large Prospective Observational Study; Justin C Konje; 2008
