Caffeine is a stimulant that’s found in many drinks and foods, such as coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate. It can also be found in some medications, like diet pills and headache medications. Research has shown that women are more sensitive to caffeine with they’re pregnant. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pregnant women avoid caffeine: it doesn’t hold any benefits to you or your baby.
As little as four cups of coffee a day have been linked to a decreased birth weight and smaller head size in newborns. Some professionals also think that caffeine use can be linked to miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature labor.
So, it’s important for you to cut down on caffeine or cut it out completely since it reaches your baby through the placenta. It affects your calcium metabolism and your baby’s too. If you drink caffeine during your pregnancy, you may experience irritability, headaches, stomach upset, sleeplessness, and jitters. Smoking can increase the stimulant effect of the caffeine.
Try and decrease the amount of caffeine you consume. Read labels on your over-the-counter medications for caffeine. Most health care professionals agree that up to two cups of regular coffee a day is fine. That’s less than 200 mg per day. However, it might be good to just remove as much caffeine as you can from your diet. It’s healthier for your baby, and you’ll probably feel better, too.