Caffeine is a stimulant found in many substances, including energy drinks. Although moderate amounts of caffeine appear to be safe during pregnancy, consuming caffeine-rich drinks can increase your risk of having a miscarriage. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about the effects that your diet will have on your pregnancy.
Caffeine Effects on Body
Caffeine is a potent stimulant of your central nervous system. This is why consuming caffeine can make you feel energized and more alert. However, caffeine also makes your heart beat faster and harder. This causes an increase in your blood pressure, which is not recommended in pregnant women. Caffeine can also make you need to urinate more frequently and can cause anxiety, jitteriness and make it hard for you to sleep.
Caffeine and Miscarriage
Consuming large amounts of caffeine can increase your risk of having a miscarriage. A study published in a 2008 issue of "The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology" found that women who consumed more than 200 mg of caffeine each day had approximately two times the risk of having a miscarriage as women who drank no caffeine. Daily caffeine intake of less than 200 mg was also associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, although the increased risk was not as high.
Other Complications
Caffeine consumption may also increase the risk of birth defects and other complications. According to the American Pregnancy Association, studies done on animals found that caffeine increased the risk of birth defects as well as preterm labor and children with a low birth weight. There is not enough research to determine if these effects also occur in pregnant humans, but the American Pregnancy Association recommends that parents err on the side of caution.
Caffeine Content of Energy Drinks
Different energy drinks have varying amounts of caffeine, so there are some drinks that can be consumed without putting you over the 200 mg per day mark. For example, one serving of Red Bull has 80 mg of caffeine and one serving of Rockstar contains 160 mg of caffeine. Other energy drinks, however, have potentially dangerous amounts of caffeine. Speed Stack, Shock Coffee, Ripped Force, Rage, Orange Rush, NOS Energy Drink and Monster Hitman Sniper are all energy drinks that contain more than 200 mg of caffeine per serving. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about the amount of caffeine you consume during pregnancy.
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