While you are pregnant, everything that you eat and drink passes from your bloodstream into the blood of your growing fetus. Avoiding certain foods and beverages will help give your baby the best start. Caffeine may be one of those products to avoid, according to the March of Dimes.
Caffeine and the Placenta
Your baby gets the nutrients it needs from your body through the placenta, which connects to the fetus through the umbilical cord. Its job is to move blood from the mother to the baby, transferring nutrients. Caffeine infiltrates the placenta, resulting in caffeine passing through to your fetus. It then causes restricted blood flow, as it does in the mother's body, and raises blood pressure, and ultimately, reduces the amount of nutrients your fetus receives.
Growth
Caffeine intake during pregnancy may also cause low birth weight. A study published in the "American Journal of Public Health" in 1991 studied the effects of maternal caffeine consumption on the growing fetus. Heavy caffeine consumption, as defined by 300 mg per day or more, is enough to reduce growth and can affect fetal birth weight.
Miscarriage
According to the American Pregnancy Association, caffeine consumption may be linked to an increased risk of miscarriage. This may be especially true during the first trimester of pregnancy. Women are urged to stop caffeine intake during the first trimester to reduce the likelihood of miscarriage.
Recommendations
If you must drink caffeine during pregnancy, take care to limit the amount that you consume. The American Pregnancy Association suggests limiting the amount you drink to no more than 300 mg per day. You should also remember that caffeine is found in more than just coffee. Chocolate, tea, soda and some medications may also contain caffeine. If you are concerned about your caffeine consumption, speak with your doctor.
References
- March of Dimes; Caffeine in Pregnancy; May 2010
- American Pregnancy Association; The Fetal Life-Support System: Placenta, Umbilical Cord and Amniotic Sac; July 2007
- American Journal of Public Health; Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy and Fetal Growth; L. Fenster, et al.; April 1991
- American Pregnancy Association; Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy; November 2007
- Mayo Clinic; Caffeine: How Does it Affect Blood Pressure?; Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D.; November 14, 2009
Member Comments