Who doesn’t love coffee? Who doesn’t feel perky when one eats or drinks caffeine-laden food or drinks? Even the aroma of rich coffee brings pure bliss to a pregnant woman and just like any other individual she will definitely want to have a sip or two.

Since time immemorial, there have been conflicting views about caffeine intake during pregnancy; a bulk of which is focused on portraying caffeine as bad for the health of both the mother and the baby. Time and again, the medical field provides us with breakthroughs and retractions about caffeine.

What is clear is that caffeine crosses the placental barrier and will definitely be absorbed by the fetus. Additionally, caffeine reaches all the tissues in the body in just a span of thirty minutes after ingestion. It rests for a longer time in the placenta and the amniotic fluid causing the constriction of blood vessels. As a result, blood flow is restricted making the pathway for nutrition and oxygenation a bit compromised.

Nonetheless, the latest research on caffeine intake during pregnancy is a welcome development especially because it came from a recognized group and it is done in the 21^st century where innovations and better equipment and strategies for study are already available.

Caffeine is generally good but only when taken in moderation. This is further supported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Indulging one’s self with a cup of coffee or a soft drink in a single day during pregnancy will not be a reason for an increased chance of miscarriage or preterm birth. The group claims that no correlation exists between 200 milligrams of caffeine and preterm birth or miscarriage. However, they have also remarked that they are unsure about the caffeine’s impact on the growth of the baby.

Moderate caffeine consumption will refer to consuming about four 8-oz cups of tea, five 12-oz cans of soda or seven dark chocolate bars. A careful look will tell you that the 200 milligrams set by the health authorities are relatively not that strict as compared with the lectures a pregnant mother can get from concerned individuals at home. Unfortunately, the committee involved proves to be quite unsure whether guzzling beyond 200 mgs will pose a risk for the fetus. However, a study conducted by a group based in Oakland discovered that a higher risk is involved when the 200 mg mark is exceeded.

In a nutshell, a pregnant woman can still enjoy coffee unlike alcoholic beverages. Make sure that when you drink one, you either make a mental note or write it in a piece of paper and put it somewhere visible for you to be reminded. If you know that you will likely forget the scribble you made, ask for a dependable person in your home to keep track of your intake. That way, when you make a pact with someone, a “relapse” will be far-fetched.

Nevertheless, take heed that everything should be done in moderation.

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