If you're pregnant and are tempted to make a trip to Starbucks, you may want to think again. Several studies have shown that that the effect of caffeine on pregnancy may be a negative one. Some of the possible harmful effects of caffeine on pregnancy may include an increased risk of miscarriage, birth defects, and even fetal growth problems. The possibility of these bad outcomes should certainly make that cappuccino look a little less inviting.
Why is the effect of caffeine on pregnancy such a problem and what can you do to avoid it? Caffeine has been shown to readily cross the placental barrier allowing it access to the blood stream of the growing fetus. Caffeine is considered to be a stimulant and is technically a drug which means it can potentially affect both mother and fetus in an adverse manner. For this reason, even small amounts of caffeine consumption in the form of coffee or coffee drinks aren't recommended while pregnant.
Is there any proof of the negative effect of caffeine on pregnancy? A study published in the Human Reproduction Journal in 2003 showed that early miscarriage is more common in women who consume large amounts of coffee during pregnancy although it's still unclear as to whether the caffeine directly caused the miscarriages. Although it was originally thought that the effect of caffeine on pregnancy included an increased risk of premature birth, this has not been supported in later studies. A study in 2005 did show that women who drank more than four cups of coffee had an increased risk of fetal death during the second half of pregnancy. Although it appears that larger amounts of caffeine increase the risk more than low amounts, no amount of caffeine has been proven to be safe during pregnancy.
If you're addicted to caffeine but worried about the effect of caffeine on pregnancy, what should you do? If you can't give up coffee entirely, one option would be to switch to an herbal, caffeine-free coffee such as Teeccino Caffeine Free Herbal Coffee. Although there are no known contraindications to drinking caffeine free herbal coffee during pregnancy, it's still recommended that you clear it with your obstetrician first. Would decaffeinated coffee be a viable substitute? Decaffeinated coffee hasn't been studied in relationship to pregnancy. Because it's not clear as to whether caffeine is having the negative effect on pregnancy or some other component of the coffee, even decaffeinated coffee should be eliminated. Likewise, because of the potential effects of caffeine on pregnancy, caffeinated teas should be avoided.
The good news is once that nine months are over and you have a beautiful new baby to care for, you can again enjoy a daily cup of coffee.
