Since you are the member of the evil empire (a.k.a. Starbucks), you just can not live a day without coffee. Without coffee, you brain completely shuts down. As you go through your pregnancy, you wonder, is drinking coffee with caffeine still safe for the baby?

Some study suggests that caffeine can cause blood vessels to constrict, thus may reduce blood flow to the placenta. And because distracts the placenta caffeine may directly affect your baby’s developing cells.

A study in Denmark found that the risk of stillbirth more than doubled in women who drank a great deal of coffee per day (eight cups or more) compared to non-coffee drinkers. Some studies also suggest that high levels of caffeine consumption by Mom slightly reduce a baby’s birth weight.

Other studies also found a link between maternal caffeine consumption with an increased risk of having a son born with undescended testes. Another research shows that babies whose mothers consumed more than 500 mg of caffeine a day had faster heart rates and breathing rates and spent more time awake in the first few days after birth.

In conclusion, I think it is best for you coffee drinkers to cut back on caffeine. It’s a stimulant, so it raises your heart rate and may raise your blood pressure slightly, too. Caffeine can also contribute to heartburn by stimulating the secretion of stomach acid.

These effects may be more pronounced or last longer than usual as you approach your due date, because your body breaks down caffeine more slowly as your pregnancy progresses. And that means a higher level of caffeine in your bloodstream and in your baby’s.

My own experience

I do not drink coffee, so I did not have any anyways, however, the doctor prohibits me to drink soda because of the caffeine contained in it. So I suggest that you cut back on your caffeine too.

Tags : caffeine and pregnancy, pregnancy should and should not do