“What is The Negative Effects of Coffee among Pregnant Women?”
There
are some positive effects of caffeine, but the negative effects of
caffeine should be understood. Anyone in a high-risk group should be
aware of the severe negative effects.
The Negative Effects of Caffeine on Pregnancy.
One
of the first things expectant mothers learn after discovering they are
pregnant is that there is a long list of pregnancy do's and don'ts,
especially when it comes to why types of foods and drinks are not safe
to consume during pregnancy. In recent years, the effects of caffeine on
pregnancy have come under increased examination as numerous studies
have indicated that caffeine can be harmful to the developing fetus.
However, most experts agree that certain moderate levels of caffeine
consumption in pregnant women are safe for both her and her baby.
Most
studies shown that excessive amounts of caffeine can seriously negative
effects on pregnancy, notably increased risk of miscarriage, these
studies have conflicting how much caffeine is considered "excessive."
The March of Dimes reports that in 2008 one study indicated that women
who drank more than 200 mg of caffeine daily were twice as likely to
miscarry as those who drank no caffeine, while a separate study released
that year showed that there was no increased risk of miscarriage in
women who drank between 200 and 350 mg of caffeine a day.
Other
negative effects of caffeine on pregnancy include an increased risk for
low-birth weight babies, stillbirths, male babies born with undescended testes and babies born with faster heart rates and breathing in their initial days of life. All of these risks were proven in studies with women who drank an excessive amount of caffeine per day, usually considered 300 mg or more.
While
the studies concerning miscarriage and other serious negative effects
of caffeine have been conflicting, there are several effects of caffeine
on pregnancy that are undeniable. Caffeine is a stimulant that can
cause an increase in both blood pressure and heart rate in a pregnant
woman. Also, as a diuretic, caffeine consumption in pregnant women can
lead to dehydration. Caffeine crosses the placenta and is slowly
metabolized by the fetus, which may affect his sleeping patterns.
Heartburn is also increased by caffeine consumption in pregnant women
developing insomnia.
The
March of Dimes and most experts agree that pregnant women can safely
consume up to 200 mg of caffeine a day. This amount of caffeine can be
found in one 12-oz. cup of regular coffee. Women trying to conceive are
also advised to consume no more than 200 mg of caffeine daily, as
caffeine has been shown to decrease fertility.
Knowing
how much caffeine is in various drinks and foods can go a long way in
helping pregnant women limit their caffeine consumption. An 8-oz. cup of
coffee averages about 137 mg of caffeine, while 8 oz. of black tea has
48 mg of caffeine. The average caffeinated 12-oz. soft drink has 37 mg
of caffeine, and a chocolate candy bar has 11 mg.
Other
pregnant women opt to consume no more than 1 or 2 caffeinated beverages
a day and keep track of other caffeine in their diets to ensure they do
not eat or drink more than the recommended amount.
Conclusion
There
were several other studies on the withdrawal, neurological,
cardiovascular and developmental effects of caffeine consumption during
pregnancy. However, many of these studies did not have reliable
evidence- the sample size was either too small, there were too many
confounding factors, or the samples were not randomized. This made
research on these other potential effects more difficult, and lacking in
conclusive evidence.
Based
on the studies of effects of caffeine on preterm birth, low birth
weight and intrauterine growth retardation, there is little to no
causation. This contradicts the popular and commonly published
statement that consuming caffeine more than 300 mg a day is unsafe.
These
studies, which are reliable and were well-performed, may conclude that
it is alright for pregnant women to drink higher levels of caffeine,
there are still a myriad of cases that show that there are negative
effects on infant health, even if these studies are not as
scientifically sound. Although it is important to find scientific truth
on the matter, when it comes to the safety of something so vulnerable,
it cannot hurt to be too cautious about the health of one’s baby.
Recommendations
I recommend that pregnant women to consume no more than 300mg of caffeine daily. Several recent studies have suggested that pregnant women limit their intake of caffeine to 200mg daily. I recommend that pregnant women exercise caution and consume no more than 200mg of caffeine from all sources daily.
I Recommend for the safe drinking levels is
500mg per day, less for those pregnant women. The average cup of
instant coffee contains between 80 and 100mg/cup. The stronger the
coffee the more caffeine it contains, except if it is very strongly
brewed because Caffeine
also affects other aspects of your baby's health. It is known to
increase your baby's heart rate and may affect how much he moves in utero.
Because caffeine is a diuretic, it can also affect the nutrition your
baby receives from you. Caffeine intake may cause you to absorb less
iron and calcium from foods, a possible detriment to your baby's overall
fetal development.
References
Barr, H.M., Streissguth, A.P. (1991). Caffeine use during pregnancy and child outcome:
Compiled using information from the following sources:
Williams Obstetrics Twenty-Second Ed. Cunningham, F. Gary, et al, Ch. 8.
American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Drugs. The transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics, 108(3):776-789, Sep 2001.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2010. Committee Opinion No. 462; Moderate Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 116 (2): 467-68.
Armstrong, BG, McDonald, AD, and Sloan, M. Cigarette, alcohol, and coffee consumption and spontaneous abortion. American Journal of Public Health, 82:85-90, 1992.
Barr, HM, and Streissguth, AP. Caffeine use during pregnancy and child outcome: a 7-year prospective study. Neurotoxicology and Teratology, 13:441-448, 1991.
Bicalho, G.G., Barros Filho Ade, A. (2002). Birthweight and caffeine consumption.
Revista de saúde pública. 180-187.
Chiaffarino, F., Parazzini, F., Chatenoud, L., Ricci, E., Tozzi, L., Chiantera, V.,Maffioletti, C., Fedele, L. (2006). Coffee drinking and risk of preterm birth. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 610-613.
Grosso, L.M., Rosenberg, K.D., Belanger, K., Saftlas, A.F., Leaderer, B., Bracken, M.B. (
(2001). Maternal caffeine intake and intrauterine growth retardation. Epidemiology, 447-455.
Vik, T., Bakketeig, L.S., Trygg, K.U., Lund-Larsen, K., Jacobsen, G. (2003). High
caffeine consumption in the third trimester of pregnancy: gender-specific effects on fetal growth. Pediatric Perinat Epidemiology, 324-331.
Disclaimer
The
advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It
is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed health
care provider. Consultation with a Naturopathic Doctor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.
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