Caffeine and Pregnancy - Is there a Link?

[Linda]

So, what should you know about pregnancy and caffeine?

[/align]Humans are creatures of habit. With that being said, our routines when they are interrupted, we are greatly disturbed. Some of us women, if we can't have our coffee or other method of choice for our daily dose of caffeine, we cannot make it through the day.

There is a huge link between excessive caffeine and a miscarriage. That was discovered in a 2008 study. However, many of them will tell you that caffeine in moderation is perfectly fine. They say at least two hundred milligrams of caffeine is allowed. This shouldn't have any harsh side effects on the growing fetus.

However, many women don't know how much two hundred milligrams exactly is. For those of you who are curious, it is about two eight ounce cups of regular coffee. So, you are looking at sixteen ounces.

Many women wonder how they will survive. As you are pregnant, your energy level decreases. Women would love to have the pick me up that caffeine gives. However, during the first trimester, this could be risky. So, doctors will tell women especially those who already run a high risk to find some other means of getting the energy that they need.

For some women, it's not actually about the caffeine tat they crave at all. It's more about the tradition or routine behind it. If you love the habit of it all then there are a few things that you could do.

For instance, if you like drinking coffee at a breakfast or as you read your newspaper, and then you could try drinking decaf. If you are one of them who can say that they can taste the different, then try half decaf and then half caffeinated. If you like tea, make sure it's caffeine free.

Sometimes it is all about changing things so that you don't crave it. Since caffeine is technically a drug, you can get addicted to it. This is the case in most situations. Like a person trying to quit smoking, they have to do things that will make them want to give up the cigarettes. This might mean changing their habit which works for pregnant women giving up caffeine as well.

Rest assured ladies, you don't have to give up chocolate. While there is some caffeine in chocolate, there isn't as much as many like to think. It's great for energy and those mood swings that you'll experience. Chocolate has actually been proven to be quite helpful. Who would want to cut this out? It tastes so good and it has some major advantages which a pregnant woman will need all the advantages that she can get as she is carrying the child for nine months.

So, one can see that while there are some things that a pregnant woman must give up or at least cut down on, you don't have to give up everything. This is a joyous and challenging adventure for all, but as a mother, it means you must make some sacrifices and such. If not for yourself, then for the little one inside of you that you want to come out healthy and strong.