Health Tip: Caffeine and Pregnancy

(HealthDay News) -- Watching what you eat and drink while you''re pregnant is important for the health of you and your baby.

Caffeine is a stimulant. When you consume it, it is delivered across the placenta to your baby, whose metabolism can''t process the stimulant like an adult''s metabolism.

The American Pregnancy Association says the best thing you can do is to consume as little caffeine as possible. It offers this additional information:

• Caffeine stimulates your heart rate and raises your blood pressure. Both of these things aren''t recommended during pregnancy.
• Caffeine increases urine output, which could lead to dehydration.
• Caffeine received by your baby can cause changes in the baby''s sleep and movement patterns.
• Don''t forget that caffeine isn''t just in coffee or sodas, it can be found in many foods. Check labels to look for caffeine content.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Nov. 13, 2008

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