The Role of Caffeine

     As many people know during pregnancy, a growing fetus is very susceptible to external factors the mother may be exposed to. These factors result in fetal adaptation, which is "[t]he process by which fetal metabolism, hormone production, and other physiologic processes shift in response to factors, such as inadequate energy intake, in the maternal environment" (Thompson & Manore, 2014, p. 549). Although not every substance's role during development is not yet fully understood, there have been numerous connections found. One of these connections is the role of caffeine during pregnancy.
     Caffeine is a popular drug often consumed through coffee beverages within the United States, and is a stimulant that helps the user maintain energy and stay awake (March of Dimes). Not only coffee contains caffeine, however, other sources include medications, chocolate, soft drinks, and tea.              According to the March of Dimes, an organization that provides information on the potential risks of maternal dietary imbalances and exposure to environmental pollutants, women who are pregnant should avoid consuming more than 200 milligrams of caffeine daily. However, some people may be more sensitive to caffeine than others, and those individuals should further reduce their intake of this substance.
     During pregnancy, caffeine passes through the placenta and can directly influence your baby (March of Dimes). It may decrease blood flow to the placenta, and too much caffeine can even result in a miscarriage. Since food, beverages, and even medications can vary in their caffeine content, it is important to become informed about various sources and their levels of caffeine.

Photo from March of Dimes

     Although the March of Dimes article was very specific and informative, there were some flaws I noticed. One of them was that the stipulation of caffeine consumption may lead to miscarriages, a connection that is still controversial. Also, there have been some mothers who consume caffeine throughout their pregnancy without experiencing any of these adverse side effects in themselves or their newborn. Therefore, while there seems to be some connections established through studies, there may be extraneous variable affecting their outcomes.

     Despite some controversy, it is best for expecting mothers to limit their caffeine consumption as a precaution against some of these undesirable effects, especially if previously accustomed to consuming large amounts of this substance. As a result of these findings, pregnant individuals should pay close attention to their food choices, beverage consumption, and even their medications. If a woman who is or who may become pregnant knows that she has a sensitivity to caffeine, she should especially be careful to monitor her choices, and consult with an experienced doctor if she is currently using prescription medications containing caffeine.

     So what do you guys think, is caffeine as harmful as doctors make it out to be? Have you had any experiences with ingesting caffeine during pregnancy? Does anyone you know consume, or abstain from it? Do you know if your mother watched her caffeine intake during her pregnancy with you?

Photo from http://www.hashslush.com/the-right-dose-of-caffeine-for-your-inspiration/

References

Thompson, Janice, and Melinda Manore. Nutrition: An Applied Approach. 4th ed. San Francisco, CA: Peason Education, 2014. Print.

 March of Dimes. "Caffeine in Pregnancy." Eating and Nutrition. March of Dimes Foundation, June 2014. Web. 27 Nov. 2014. <http://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/caffeine-in-pregnancy.aspx>.