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Why caffeine isn't recommended during pregnancy. |
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by Butterfly68  (August 2006) (rank 500+) |
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Most people probably know that caffeine isn't good for pregnant women. But up until a few months ago I didn't know why, and I"m sure many other moms-to-be don't know either.
So I'd like to share what I've learnt.
The main reasons caffeine is bad is 
it:
* increases the risk of miscarriage
* increases the risk of low birth weight and premature birth
* contains compounds called phenols that make it harder for your body to absorb iron which is important during pregnancy
* causes your bones to lose calcium
* increases both blood pressure and heart rate
* stimulates urination and thus reduces body fluid levels – an effect considered undesirable during pregnancy, when adequate hydration is important
Foods and beverages that contain caffiene:
* coffee
* tea
* chocolate
* soft drinks and energy drinks
* some over the counter medications, including some headache, cold, and allergy remedies
~information came from my pharmacist and the following websites: http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/681_1148.asp ; http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/3955.html
