Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy Part 2.Caffeine and Alcohol during pregnancy: The Yes's and No's...
Caffeine:
Studies have shown that if consumed in excess during pregnancy, caffeine can have adverse effects on the mother and baby. However, moderate amounts of caffeine during pregnancy has not been shown to be harmful during pregnancy.
That being said, the current caffeine recommendation during pregnancy is <200 mg of caffeine daily. This equates to about 12oz of coffee, although every brew is different. An 8-ounce cup of coffee has anywhere between 70-140mg of caffeine. Make sure you are aware of the strength of your coffee so you are able to accurately understand your intake while pregnant
Reminder:
Caffeine is not only found in coffee, but some sodas, teas, as well as chocolate. Even some headache medications such as Excedrin have notable amounts of caffeine that should be monitored.
Excessive caffeine drinkers:
For those who regularly consume excessive amounts of caffeine in a day while pregnant (>200mg), studies have found that there is a possibility that the excess caffeine can affect the sleep patterns of both mom and baby in the later stages of pregnancy. This is due to the fact that caffeine crosses over into the placenta and affects the baby's energy levels.
Other studies have shown that excessive intake of caffeine can lead to difficulties with conception. In rarer cases, women who drink excessive amounts of caffeine while pregnant have a higher incidence of miscarriages.
Alcohol:
According to current studies, there is NO SAFE LEVEL OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION during pregnancy. There is such a high level of alcohol restriction during pregnancy due to the high risks of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs).
What are Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)?
This spectrum encompasses a variety of developmental and cognitive issues due to alcohol intake during pregnancy. Alcohol is so dangerous for your baby because it passes through their umbilical cord, through their bloodstream, and then directly to their brain.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) can lead to lower birth weights, stunted growth, poor attention, poor memory, hyperactivity, learning disabilities, speech and language delays, lower IQ, poor reasoning and judgment, vision and hearing problems, and complications with their kidneys, bones, and heart.
For more information regarding FASDs and intake of alcohol during pregnancy--- check out the CDC's website here or from our references below.
Thanks for reading and as always...
Your health today is a LIFETIME of health for you AND your baby.
Until next time!
Mikayla and Cassie
Mamas Maternal Health Registered Dietitians/Lactation Counselors
References:
Caffeine Intake During Pregnancy
https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/caffeine-intake-during-pregnancy/
The Lactation Counselor Training Course Notebook (2018)., Healthy Children Project, Center for Breastfeeding., p89
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/alcohol-use.html
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