Pregnancy brings many changes in a mother's life that can often be quite funny. From growing belly to mood swings, every day is a new challenge for moms-to-be. However, when it comes to caffeine consumption during pregnancy, things become serious.
Caffeine is present in almost everything - from coffee and tea to soda and chocolates. So, should you eliminate caffeine entirely from your diet or continue drinking them in moderation?
Let's find out how consuming caffeine affects both you and your little one.
The effects of caffeine on pregnant women
Caffeine has its advantages as well as disadvantages for pregnant women:
Pros of consuming caffeine
- Boosts physical activity
- Regulates blood flow
- Reduces risk of gestational diabetes
Cons of consuming caffeine: maternal side effects
However_,_ excess intake may cause:
- Increased heart rate
- Reduced appetite
- Insomnia
Excessive amounts put moms at greater risk for complications such as miscarriage or preterm birth.
According to research studies , an unborn child’s metabolism cannot break down chemicals like adults do_. Thus,_ their response time gets affected by drugs ingested by mothers.
The plausible ill-effects caused by maternal intake
A mother’s overdose can lead to developmental abnormalities including cerebral palsy_, mental retardation, blindness, congenital defects etc
The below mentioned are some probable harms that might affect the foetal growth negatively_:_
- Low Birth Weight (LBW)
An excess amount consumed daily leads to early delivery resulting in low baby weight: A baby weighing less than 5 pounds 8 ounces (2500 grams) is categorized under this condition_. This gets preceded due primarily because it disrupts sleep adversely thus reducing the desired growth._
- Withdrawal Symptoms
Newborn babies whose mothers maintained a regular daily intake of caffeine delivered early could cause different symptoms – chiefly: irritability_, nose down, anxiety. In spite of the innocuous feature_. Infants having this condition would require additional medical attention._
- Imbalanced heart rate
The circulatory system of an unnaturally low weight infant remains underdeveloped thus losing a strong contractility potential which hinders normal blood flow to vital organs resulting in anaemia and stunted growth.
Moderation is the Key
Moms-to-be don’t necessarily need to eliminate caffeine from their diets entirely. They just need proper guidance on dosage?
Stages that demonstrate healthy dose range: - Up to 200 milligrams (mg) a day — about one 12-ounce cup of coffee - Average consumption lies between 100mg–350 mg - Limitations are at overconsumption, meaning anything exceeding more than 300mg in a day.
Ensuring Safe Decaffeinated Options:
Avoid ones containing Dichloromethane’(DCM)_ with ethyl acetate actually brought up via natural processes termed as ‘vapour process’.
Outstanding decaf options comprise vanilla tea ,chocolate tea liquor etc_
Conclusion
To sum it all up_, expectant mothers can surely consume limited amounts when required; they must also monitor oneself! Avoid staying awake late or skipping meals for securing adequate nutrients tend to fall into trouble. The precautions safeguarding our child's sound health becomes absolutely necessary during these joyous yet significant nine months.Stay happy, _stay healthy!__