Mums and Bubs
Most people just love to drink or eat something with caffeine. However, pregnant women may have to watch their intake of caffeinated treats or drinks. Their growing babies inside their tummies may be affected. This component that may be present not only in coffee and tea acts as a stimulant and a diuretic as well. Caffeine causes the blood pressure to rise and it also causes the heart rate to increase. People may also urinate more frequently so they need to see to it that they hydrate themselves as too much caffeine may cause dehydration.
Pregnant women should know how caffeine may affect the growing fetus in their womb. Caffeine may get through the baby through the placenta. Most women may be able to handle some amount of this substance that go into their bodies but their growing babies inside cannot. The growing baby’s metabolism cannot yet deal with caffeine so his or her health may be affected. Just like grownups, babies in the wombs stay awake and active too with some caffeine in their bodies. Adults or pregnant women may be able to get through the day with this condition but the health of their developing babies may be compromised.
Aside from minimizing if not totally avoiding tea and coffee, pregnant women should also take note of the soda, chocolate and some medications that are easily bought over-the-counter as these may contain caffeine as well. Although most of the studies of the effect of caffeine such as birth defects and preterm delivery were done mostly on animals, pregnant women should be careful as it may also have some adverse effect not only on their health but most especially on their babies’ health too. Some results from studies also indicate that the high consumption of caffeine among women may cause delayed conception and at times may cause miscarriage too.
It may be a little difficult for pregnant women to simply take off caffeine in their daily diet as it may have some addictive effect on people who take it regularly. They may do it gradually or they may substitute decaffeinated coffee instead. Pregnant women may also include water and other healthier drinks to keep them hydrated and energized. They will also feel less of the cravings for caffeinated drinks. Women who may find it difficult to stay away from treats and drinks with caffeine especially during pregnancy may seek the help of their doctors and nutritionists so that they can minimize or limit their intake as much as possible.
