Pregnancy and Caffeine: Is there a Risky Relation?

Pregnancy and caffeine are not meant for each other and the relationship they share possesses health risks. Some of the medical experts are of the view that caffeine is not good for fetus but some of the studies are of the view that caffeine in smaller doses is safe enough.

If you are having two cups of coffee daily during pregnancy then the risk of miscarriage you hold is for about forty percent. Why health risks are associated with the consumption of caffeine? There is a strong relation between pregnancy and caffeine. The reason is that caffeine is a stimulant and it increases the blood pressure and the heart rate of the mother. The system of the baby is still immature and in the process of development so he might get affected by the consumption of the caffeine. Caffeine during pregnancy first trimester must be avoided as in early pregnancy brain and the spinal cord is developing. The defects like spina bifida and anencephaly are common in those babies whose mother consume caffeine extensively.  In these defects the brain and the spinal cord get affected badly.

Similarly, smoking during pregnancy is not safe for the fetus and pregnant women must avoid smoking. In a single cigarette, more than four thousand components are present. Lead, tar, carbon monoxide and carcinogens are some of the common components and all these may cause respiratory issue in the fetus. How smoking during pregnancy effects? It affects by halting the normal supply of oxygen and the blood to the baby via placenta. What are the effects of smoking during pregnancy? It causes constriction in the blood vessels which in turn may lead to restricted supply of nutrients to baby. Under such condition, expecting mother will give birth to low birth weight baby. Such babies are more prone to the chronic diseases.

Beside caffeine and smoking, probiotics are good to be taken during pregnancy. Probiotics during pregnancy are useful to be taken by the pregnant women. How probiotics are good enough during pregnancy? They contain live and active cultures of bacteria which help in killing the bad bacteria and keeps natural balance in digestive and urinary tract. By killing bad bacteria, it helps in strengthening of the immunity of the expecting mother. Also, heartburn during pregnancy can be avoided by taking probiotics during pregnancy. They are also present naturally in the fermented dairy products.

Consequently, it is quite clear that the habit of caffeine consumption and smoking is not good in terms of health risks they possess. Caffeine and smoking must be stopped in order to avoid the factor of low birth weight.