Normally, the effects of caffeine on an adult wear off in six hours, but
in pregnant women, it may take twice as long to leave the body. Also,
because the baby is still developing he will not be able to metabolize the
caffeine efficiently which could result in altered sleep patterns and
movement in the later stages of pregnancy.
In effort to
prepare for pregnancy, many women eat better and exercise
before conception to ensure that their bodies are healthy and ready for
implantation of a fertilized embryo. Some studies have actually found a link
between high amounts of caffeine consumption and delayed conception, with
women who consumed more than 300 mg of caffeine per day twice as likely to
have conception delayed a full year or more compared with women who consumed
less than 300 mg per day. While low to moderate consumption seems safe,
heavy caffeine drinkers may want to start cutting back even when they begin
trying for a baby. No studies have been done on the effects of caffeine on
sperm.
The under-300 mg per day mark seems to be the safe consumption level even
after conception as the fetus grows within the mother. A few studies have
been done that show an increase in miscarriage among women who consume more
than 300 mg of caffeine per day, and other study outcomes of high caffeine
consumption included pre-term labor and
low birth weight. Many studies done
in animals have shown caffeine to cause birth defects, reduced fertility,
and other reproductive problems, but human studies are still far behind.
Although many women choose to avoid caffeine completely just in case it may
have undiscovered effects in any amount, experts believe that moderate
caffeine intake (150 mg-250 mg per day) will not have a negative effect on
pregnancy.
For those women holding out until the
late stages of pregnancy to enjoy
caffeine again, the wait may be even longer than expected. Late in the
pregnancy, the baby will absorb
caffeine from the mother, and at this stage,
the caffeine can cause increased fetal heart rate, increased breathing rate,
and tremors. Also, babies born to women with high levels of caffeine
consumption late in the pregnancy were likely to spend more time awake in
the days following birth. Many tired parents of newborns want their babies
to sleep well, so the avoidance of caffeine in late pregnancy is essential
for the baby to establish good sleeping patterns, and essential for the
parents’ peace of mind as well! Even breast-feeding mothers can pass
caffeine into their baby’s system, so while low to moderate caffeine levels
will not harm the baby, any amount of caffeine will be passed from mother to
baby, metabolized by the baby’s system, and may have stimulating effects.
While most women and babies have no negative health effects from low to
moderate caffeine consumption, caffeine sensitivity varies in each
individual mom and baby. If you are normally caffeine sensitive, take care
to avoid it during pregnancy, as the effects of caffeine are greater because
it is more slowly metabolized in pregnant women. Avoid caffeine containing
foods such as chocolate, coffee flavored ice creams and yogurts, and stick
to fruity desserts like pies. Be sure to stay well hydrated with beverages
such as decaffeinated tea, juice, and water.
If you are thinking of becoming pregnant, but consuming more than three
cups of brewed coffee per day, try to start weaning yourself off of the
coffee now, as your body will have a chance to adjust before all of the
other changes start taking place. Once pregnant, take care to regulate
caffeine intake at safe levels. Know what foods and beverages contain
caffeine, and avoid them if you are concerned about the effects of caffeine
on pregnancy. Myths do exist about caffeine and pregnancy, so remain calm if
you do happen to slip and indulge in cappuccino ice cream; moderate levels
of caffeine are safe for you and your baby.
