Risks and Benefits of Caffeine during Pregnancy
Caffeine is well known for its stimulating nature and consequent addiction when consumed for a long time. Some pregnant mothers consume caffeine following an addiction, while others get a craving for the first time. Craving during pregnancy is always a heated topic, and in most scenarios, the items craved are weird and can even be harmful to one’s health. As your body transitions through the different phases, a need for more specific nutrients and vitamins increases. When a balance is not achieved for the various nutrients and vitamins the body needs, you start having a strong urge to take something you most probably never even liked before.
In the same way, it is common for pregnant women to crave beverages rich in caffeine in response to the demand for extra energy and stimulation. It is, however, imperative to weigh the good or bad you are doing to your body and your unborn baby when you heed those random cravings.
Sources of Caffeine
The best way to keep your diet in check is by acquainting yourself with the ingredients and chemical content in everything you consume. The knowledge is good, especially when you want to maximize or stop consumption of specific foods or drinks. Caffeine, in our case, is commonly present in beverages such as coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and some soft drinks. Some over–the–counter prescriptions may also contain a considerable amount of caffeine.
Benefits of Caffeine during Pregnancy
Pre-pregnancy, caffeine consumption is natural. It provides the stimulation needed to maintain alertness and keep your body awake. Due to the weariness and fatigue that comes with pregnancy, taking tea or coffee in moderation may be helpful. It also helps with gestational diabetes. It requires discipline to escape the habit and not end up in addiction, with the recommended amount of caffeine being 200mg per day.
Why You Should Cut Down Your Consumption of Caffeinated Drinks
Caffeine intake during pregnancy can cause serious threats to your health and that of your baby. The most common effects are low birth weight, stillbirth, and miscarriage. It also increases the urge to urinate frequently, which may cause bladder irritation and a consequent risk of dehydration. Given its stimulating nature, studies have shown characteristics of restlessness in women and babies exposed to excessive caffeine intake. It interrupts sleep patterns and may cause sleeping disorders. Caffeine also interferes with the heartbeat rate and may even hinder normal growth in babies.
How to Take Control of Your Caffeine Intake
Your health and your unborn baby should be your number one priority. However strong the urge for that sip of coffee, you do not always have to give in. You can adopt other alternatives to help cut down on caffeine and maintain a healthy pregnancy, such as taking juices and decaffeinated coffee or tea, avoiding energy drinks at all costs, seeking guidance from your pharmacists on caffeine-free medication, and taking enough water.
The health threats associated with caffeine intake during pregnancy outweigh its benefits. It is, therefore, healthy to shun the consumption of such drinks that expose you and your baby to such dangers for a healthy pregnancy.
At Fiesta House Maternity, we have made it our business to ensure every pregnant mom has a seamless journey by availing valuable information on matters surrounding pregnancy and related experiences such as baby bump photoshoots. Book with us today, and let us create moments together.
