According to a new study that appeared in the March issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, caffeine isn’t good for pregnant women as it increases the risk of miscarriages.Caffeine is a stimulant that increases blood pressure and heart rate, both of which can lead to pregnancy complications. It also increases the frequency of urination and causes reduction in body fluid levels thus leading to dehydration, according to the American Pregnancy Association.According to this association, caffeine crosses the placenta to the baby. The baby’s metabolism is still maturing and cannot fully metabolise the caffeine. Any amount of caffeine can also cause changes in the baby’s sleep pattern or normal movement pattern in the later stages of pregnancy. Researchers found that a caffeine intake of more than 200 milligrams (mg) per day during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of miscarriages compared to no caffeine intake or an intake of less than 200 mg per day. Caffeine also increases the baby’s heart rate and may affect how much it moves in the uterus. It also affects the nutrition the baby receives from the mother according to Epigee Women’s Health.Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea, chocolate and some soft drinks. According to two studies carried out in 2008, it was found that women, who consume 200mg or more of caffeine daily, are twice as likely to have a miscarriage as those who do not consume any caffeine.A 2003 Danish study also suggested that women who drink 4 to 7 cups of coffee a day may be at a slightly increased risk of having a stillborn baby while women who drank 8 or more cups a day had more than twice the risk of stillbirth as women who drank no coffee. You might want to cut out the coffee during pregnancy if you want a healthy baby.
