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Caffeine and pregnancy
(HealthDay News) -- Watching what you eat and drink while you're pregnant is important for the health of you and your baby.
Caffeine is a stimulant. When you consume it, it is delivered across the placenta to your baby, whose metabolism can't process the stimulant like an adult's metabolism.
The best thing you can do is to consume as little caffeine as possible. The American Pregnancy Association offers additional information:
- Caffeine stimulates your heart rate and raises your blood pressure. Both of these things aren't recommended during pregnancy.
- Caffeine increases urine output, which could lead to dehydration.
- Caffeine received by your baby can cause changes in the baby's sleep and movement patterns.
- Don't forget that caffeine isn't just in coffee or sodas, it can be found in many foods. Check labels to look for caffeine content.
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Safety 'do's and don'ts' during pregnancy
Source: American Pregnancy Association
Copyright: © 2008 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
First published: 11/13/2008
Last updated: 11/13/2008
Reviewed by: HealthDay, a service of ScoutNews, LLC