Is caffeine allowed during pregnancy?
Caffeine is a stimulant found in colas, coffee, tea, soft candies, chocolate, cocoa, and over-the-counter and prescription drugs. A study on pregnant rats indicated birth defects and delayed skeletal development in their offspring. Another study on women in Costa Rica, where coffee consumption is high, showed a significantly lower birth weight for infants and a lower concentration of iron in mothers who were coffee drinkers. This report indicated that maternal coffee intake may also contribute to maternal and infant anaemia. Large quantities of caffeine can cause irritability, nervousness and insomnia. In addition to crossing the placenta and affecting the foetus, it is also diuretic, dehydrating the mother’s body of valuable water. After the baby is born, caffeine can also be transmitted through breast milk. As mentioned, caffeine is an ingredient in some over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Consult your physician before taking any drugs.
