Here is one more reason to avoid caffeine, especially if you are pregnant. A new study published in the British Medical Journal found that even a little caffeine during pregnancy can put your baby at risk for being born with a low birth weight. In fact, the study examined the consumption of caffeine from multiple sources, including tea, cola, chocolate and even prescription drugs.
Even a little use of caffeine is linked to slower fetal growth. Underweight babies are subject to a number of problems, including some that occur later in life, such as heart conditions, high blood pressure and diabetes.
One interesting thing about these findings is that they show the same impact on fetal growth while consuming caffeine as if the women were consuming alcohol. That raises some serious concerns.
The study took a look at pregnant women who were between eight and 12 weeks pregnant.
You might remember a study that was published back in January that linked drinking just two cups of coffee a day by pregnant women with a twice increase in miscarriage compared to pregnant women who avoided caffeine altogether.
The researchers of this latest study recommend that women avoid caffeine both before conception and during pregnancy.
What do you think of this study?
During each pregnancy I mostly avoided caffeine. I consumed none during my first trimester, but then I loosened the reins a bit during the rest of my pregnancy to allow for small amounts of chocolate. This was years before any news showed any impact of caffeine during pregnancy. My children were average sized newborns and ranged from 7 pounds, 2 ounces to 7 pounds, 5 ounces. I do know friends who continued drinking regular coffee throughout pregnancy, giving birth to average-sized newborns.
What was your experience? Did you consume any caffeine during pregnancy and do you think it had an impact on your baby’s birth weight?
Click here for more articles by Mary Ann Romans.
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