Dangers of caffeine in pregnancy

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Caffeine which is usually found in coffee,colas,tea and some soft drinks have been found to cross the placenta and enter the circulation of the fetus. A recent test of caffeine on developing animal fetus showed lots of harmful effects.

Apart from the reason stated above there are other valid reasons why you should give up caffeinated coffee, teas and colas during pregnancy (or at least to cut down the consumption).

First of all, caffeine has a diuretic effect, drawing fluid and calcium (both vital to the maternal and fetal health) from the body. If you are having problems with frequent urination anyway caffeine intake will compound it.

Second, coffee and tea especially when taken with sugar and cream are filling and satisfying without being nutritious, and can spoil your appetite for the nutritious food you need. Colas are not only filling but may contain some chemicals in addition to unneeded sugars.

Third, caffeine can exacerbate your normal pregnancy mood swings and also interfere with adequate rest.

Fourth, caffeine may interfere with the absorption of the iron both mother and baby needs

Fifth, consumption of caffeine by pregnant women, according to recent research, might result in her baby eventually developing diabetes.

How you can break the habit
First you need to understand why you are breaking the habit in the first place, which is for your baby’s health and yours as well.

Second you need to determine why you indulge, and which beverages you can use to substitute the caffeine containing ones you usually take. If it is the taste of coffee or tea that appeals to you then switch to a naturally decaffeinated replacement. If it is the caffeine lift you crave ,you will get more natural long-lasting boost from exercise and good food, especially complex carbohydrates and protein or from doing something that exhilarates you, like jogging,dancing,taking a walk. If you take your caffeinated beverage as part of a daily ritual, change the location of that ritual and change the beverage that accompanies it.

How to minimize caffeine withdrawal symptoms
Caffeine is an addictive drug .lots of caffeine lovers or imbibers who quit just like that can expect to experience withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, and irritability.which is why it is better to ease off the caffeine gradually.

Here are some tips to help minimize withdrawal symptom:

1. Get some outdoor exercise each day
2. Make sure you get enough sleep and rest
3. eat frequent small meals that are rich in proteins and complex carbohydrate foods (don’t forget to take your pregnancy vitamins)
If after this your taste buds still crave the flavor of coffee, continue to satisfy them by using a brewed decaffeinated coffee.