Caffeine is technically considered to be a drug -- it is a stimulant as well as a diuretic. Inside your body, it increases your heart rate, blood pressure, alertness and urine output. These effects of caffeine are not ideal during pregnancy. Caffeine is also able to cross into your baby's bloodstream. It is for these reasons that caffeine intake should be limited during pregnancy.
Amount
Try to avoid the use of caffeine during pregnancy. However, if you must consume caffeine, try to limit the amount you take in. According to Roger W. Harms, M.D., editor of the book "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy," consuming 200 mg per day of caffeine should be perfectly fine during pregnancy. This is equal to one to two cups of coffee.
Caffeine and The Fetus
The problem with caffeine for your growing baby is that caffeine enters the placental barrier. This means that your baby will be consuming the caffeine you take in. Caffeine is a stimulant and can affect your growing baby's daily sleep-wake and movement cycles. Your baby may also not be mature enough to fully metabolize caffeine.
Possible Complications
If you consume too much caffeine during pregnancy, you risk suffering from certain complications. Caffeine over-consumption may be enough to decrease the birthweight of your baby and even affect his sleep patterns for the days following birth. A large intake of caffeine during pregnancy may also increase your risk of having a miscarriage. The best way to avoid these complications is to limit or avoid caffeine intake.
Foods and Beverages Containing Caffeine
Caffeine is in more foods and beverages than just coffee. Caffeine is also found in coffee-flavored foods like ice cream, cake and yogurt. Caffeine is in chocolate including syrups, candy bars and cocoa powder. Caffeinated beverages include tea and soda as well as coffee. Certain medications also contain caffeine.
References
- "Mayo Clinic: Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy"; Roger W. Harms, M.D.; 2004
- Mayo Clinic.com; Pregnancy Nutrition: Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy; May 30, 2009
- March of Dimes: Caffeine in Pregnancy
- American Pregnancy Association: Caffeine Intake During Pregnancy
