Monday, January 21, 2008

Caffeine and Pregnancy

I just had a conversation with a perinatologist (high risk pregnancy expert ) last week about this very topic.

Here's the story from ABC News:

Expectant mothers have new cause for concern. Pregnant women may want to give up their daily caffeine fix. A new study finds consuming just one and half cups of coffee a day--or more than 200 milligrams of caffeine-- doubles the risk of miscarriage--and that goes for tea, hot chocolate, and soda.

Obstetrician Dr. Tracy Flanagan said, "What's different about this study is that it shows that a fairly low level of caffeine may be associated with miscarriage, and that's important."

Pregnant women have long been advised to limit their caffeine. Now Dr. Flanagan is counseling her patients to give it up altogether.

It's not clear why caffeine can cause miscarriage. It is known to cross the placenta and can be difficult for the fetus to metabolize.

So what's a pregnant mom looking for an energy boost to do?

Doctors suggest taking a brisk walk, yoga or go ahead and get that grande latte, but make it decaf.

I just talked to Peoria Perinatologist Dr. Michael Leonardi about doing a blog on what women can do to prevent miscarriage. It sounds like caffeine will be high on that list. I will email Dr. Leondardi and post his other tips later this week.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

3 comments:

My Flock Rocks! said...

Love your blog and welcome to Peoria.com!

Jen Christensen said...

My obestetrician wasn't really strict on what I could and could not do, but I have a good friend who stayed away from deli meat that wasn't cooked and any soft cheeses. I followed her lead because after researching, there was really no good answer on what is safe and what isn't. I figured I could live without caffeine, alcohol, cold deli meat and feta cheese for nine months. However, I really missed greek salads and diet coke.

Anonymous said...

Men have no clue about all the things that go into pregnancy, giving birth, and infant handling.

We bury our heads in the sand of sports, music, or movies, while the womenfolk navigate their strange realm of life and nurturing.

Thanks for informing males on what our partners have to deal with, and what can be done to help.

 
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