Pregnancy is most often a joyful time, but it's also a time
when women must be careful of what they eat and drink. A
new study has found that caffeine can be dangerous for
pregnant women, especially during the first trimester.
According to a new study, released by The American Journal
of Obstetrics and Gynecology, those pregnant women who
intake only 200 milligrams, or more, of caffeine per day
have twice the chance of miscarrying than those women who
drink less or no caffeine at all. Two hundred milligrams of
caffeine is the equivalent of a 10-ounce cup of coffee or a
25-ounce cup of tea.
As a result of the study's findings, many medical experts
are advising that women eliminate caffeine from their diets
completely at least for the first trimester. However, some
physicians recommend that pregnant women cut out the
caffeine altogether throughout the entire pregnancy.
Caffeine isn't found just in coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
In fact, caffeine can be found in foods that contain
chocolate and even in some medications. Pregnant women
should be aware of the ingredients of food, drink, and
medications before ingesting them.
Caffeine is potentially detrimental to pregnancy for
several reasons. Because caffeine is a stimulant, it
naturally increases a person's heart rate and blood
pressure, both of which can be harmful during any stage of
pregnancy.
In addition, when a pregnant woman consumes caffeine, she
has to urinate more frequently which results in decreased
body fluids and, in some instances, dehydration, both of
which endanger the life of an unborn child. A pregnant
woman's body has the ability to handle the effects of
caffeine. A developing foetus, however, does not.
Because the foetus is still growing and her metabolism is
not fully matured, her body simply cannot metabolize
caffeine. As a result, a baby's sleep pattern and movement
is likely going to be effected in the second and third
trimesters. Caffeine, a stimulant, is going to keep both a
pregnant woman and her growing baby awake, a disadvantage
to both.
While there have been studies done on pregnant animals and
the effects of consuming caffeine, there have not yet been
studies done on pregnant women. What those animal studies
have found, however, should serve as a warning to pregnant
women and women who hope to become pregnant: Consumption of
caffeine can lead to birth defects, infertility, and
premature labour.
How much caffeine that is safe to consume daily is still a
point of contention for many in the medical community. Some
medical experts caution against having as little as 150
milligrams of caffeine every day while others assert that
more than 300 milligrams is far too much. Those pregnant
women who find it impossible to eliminate caffeine from
their diets are generally advised to speak with their
physician to determine the best course of action for their
individual needs.
Because caffeine can potentially have a detrimental effect
on developing fetus, pregnant women should discuss caffeine
intake with their physicians as early in the pregnancy as
possible.
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Barry Share is the Founder and editorial director of "The
New Lifestyle Programme". Where you can get your copy of
the amazing..."Design for your Success" a 7 step plan to
achieving wealth health and happiness
=> http://newlifestylepro.com/dfs-s.html
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