During pregnancy, it is important to consider the safeness of everything you eat or drink. Caffeine, which is found in coffee, soda, tea, chocolate and other food items, is a stimulant and a diuretic. In addition to potentially raising your heart rate and blood pressure, it can also affect your developing baby.
Development
Caffeine crosses the placenta and reaches your baby's digestive system. She cannot metabolize caffeine, which can affect her developing cells. The American Pregnancy Association states that caffeine has caused birth defects in animal studies, and it may increase the risk of miscarriage if you regularly consume more than 300mg a day.
Growth
A study at the University of Leicester between 2003 and 2006 recorded the caffeine intake of over 2,000 women. The study found that there was a correlation between increased caffeine intake and increased risk of fetal growth restriction. This may indicate that consuming caffeine during pregnancy can increase your baby's risk of experiencing low birth weight.
Sleep and Movement Patterns
Drinking caffeine during pregnancy can keep your baby awake and change his sleep pattens. According to the American Pregnancy Association, it can also change your baby's movement patterns later in pregnancy.
Recommendations
To help protect your baby from the effects of regular caffeine consumption during pregnancy, aim for just 200mg or less of caffeine each day. If you experience caffeine withdrawals, such as headaches and irritability, talk to your doctor about easing back gradually.
Member Comments