Caffeine is a stimulant found in drinks like coffee, tea and energy drinks and foods like chocolate. While small amounts of caffeine, about 200mg per day, are generally considered safe, caffeine may cause complications during pregnancy. Caffeine crosses the placenta, meaning your baby is directly affected by caffeine that you consume. Speak with your physician about safe caffeine use during your pregnancy.
Low Birth Weight
Babies weighing less than 5 lbs. 8 oz. are considered to have low birth weight, according to the March of Dimes. Caffeine use during pregnancy may increase the risk of having a low birth weight baby. Consuming more than 200mg of caffeine per day increases this risk, states the Mayo Clinic. Caffeine may change how blood flow crosses the placenta, which may contribute to low birth weight. Babies with low birth weight face health complications such as respiratory distress and heart and eye complications. The Mayo Clinic recommends consuming less than 200mg of caffeine per day, or asking your health care provider for her recommendation, to reduce your risk of having a low birth weight baby.
Insomnia
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and increases alertness. Caffeine consumed before bedtime may cause insomnia, or trouble sleeping. You may experience trouble falling asleep or trouble staying asleep if you use caffeine late in the day. Refrain from consuming caffeine in the late afternoon or evening, recommends What to Expect, to avoid caffeine-induced insomnia.
Increased Blood Pressure
Caffeine may temporarily increase your heart rate and blood pressure, according to the American Pregnancy Association, or cause irregular heartbeat. Higher than normal blood pressure may decrease blood flow to the placenta, restricting the amount of blood and nutrients the baby receives. If you had high blood pressure before pregnancy, or experience high blood pressure during pregnancy, your physician may recommend you avoid caffeine. Worsening hypertension may lead to pre-eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication, states the American Pregnancy Association.
Increased Urination
Frequent urination is a common discomfort during pregnancy as the growing baby places pressure on your bladder. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it decreases fluid levels in your body and increase urine production, states the American Pregnancy Association. You may need to urinate even more than usual if you consume caffeine during pregnancy. If you've been ill or have trouble consuming foods or fluids due to nausea or sickness, even small amounts of caffeine may increase your risk of dehydration.
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