Pregnancy is undoubtedly one of the most blessed periods for every woman. In this time, one has to be much more careful about their health and wellbeing. An expecting mother should always be mindful about what she eats or drinks.
Everything that a mother intakes goes to the developing fetus. Therefore, it is important to take extra precautions during this time.
With all the excitement and joy comes a lot of responsibilities. One such responsibility is to be mindful of the food and drinks that an expecting mother takes.
One question that often bothers pregnant women is if it is safe to drink alcohol during pregnancy. The answer is quite straightforward- NO! Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause serious harm to both the mother as well as the baby.
Why is Drinking Alcohol Harmful During Pregnancy?
Alcohol is a substance that passes through the placenta to the baby. It can have harmful effects as the baby’s liver is not developed enough to process alcohol.
The alcohol content in the mother’s blood can lead to a higher level in fetal blood, leading to several risks.
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy has been linked to several complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Prenatal exposure to alcohol can also lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or FAS, which is a condition that can result in physical and intellectual disability in the baby.
But What About Caffeine?
Caffeine is an essential part of our daily lives. Most of us start our day with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Though we can’t imagine our day without caffeine, is it safe to consume caffeine during pregnancy? Though caffeine is not as harmful as alcohol, it can still pose a risk to the developing fetus and therefore needs to be taken in moderation.
The Safe Limit for Caffeine during Pregnancy
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) allows caffeine during pregnancy, but in moderation. A pregnant woman should have no more than 200mg of caffeine per day.
This amount equals about one cup of coffee or two cups of tea per day.
The Harmful Effects of Excessive Caffeine during Pregnancy
Excessive caffeine during pregnancy can cause several complications such as increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays. It can also lead to sleep disturbances and anxiety in pregnant women.
Moreover, studies show that caffeine reduces blood flow to the placenta, which can result in poor fetal growth. Thus, it is important to be mindful of caffeine intake and restrict it to the recommended safe limit.
Other Sources Of Caffeine That Pregnant Women Need To Be Mindful Of
Caffeine is not found only in coffee and tea. It can also be found in other food items and beverages such as chocolate, soda, energy drinks, and some medications.
During pregnancy, it is important to be careful of all sources of caffeine and limit the total amount taken.
Conclusion
In conclusion, all moms-to-be should avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy as it poses serious dangers to the baby’s health. In contrast, caffeine is allowed during pregnancy but should be delicately balanced and limited up to a safe level.
As long as a pregnant woman sticks to the recommended safe limit, she can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee without worrying about any harmful effects on the fetus.
