The Dangers of Caffeine during Pregnancy

For years, Dr. Mercola has been warning of the dangers of caffeine to pregnant woman and the babies inside their wombs. A new study done on pregnant mice shows that a dose of caffeine from two cups of coffee can affect the growth of the fetus’ heart and may reduce the heart function of the mice during its entire lifespan. Additionally, the male baby mice also gained higher body fats with just a minimal amount of caffeine.

To be clear, it’s not two cups per day but two cups for the entire pregnancy. So what are the implications of this new study to humans? How can an unborn or a newly born baby be affected by caffeine?

An expectant mother can pass caffeine to her unborn baby through the placenta, while newborns can get caffeine through breast milk. The developing fetus cannot detoxify caffeine and caffeine stays longer in an infant’s system because its half-life is extended.

Lots of problems may occur if you absorb caffeine during your pregnancy. Caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. Your baby may also increase the risk of developing defects such as cleft palate and increase his/her risk of death due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Your calcium and iron and calcium levels may also decrease.

Caffeine is commonly found in coffee. It is also found in some foods, drinks and medications like tea, carbonated drinks, energy drinks, cocoa and chocolate, and over-the-counter and prescription drugs, mostly in pain medications.

You will need careful planning and preparation to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child. Having good physical condition will lead to a better chance of a healthy pregnancy and give your baby a strong foundation for a healthier life.

Here are some tips to help you have a healthy pregnancy:

• Get regular exercise and maintain your weight

• Include omega-3 fats in your diet

• Give up on your cell phone to minimize the dangers of radiation to your unborn child

• Manage your stress, and

• Optimize your Vitamin D levels

A healthy mom will most likely deliver a healthy baby. So if ever you are planning to have a child, make sure you are physically fit for the pregnancy and ready for motherhood.

Kaede Cruise chooses to live healthy and loves to share sites regarding natural health products that will make everyone healthy. You can subscribe newsletter from website of Mercola to read more health articles. For other resources you can try reading my healthcare articles post on my blog.