I drink Coke and coffee a lot during this pregnancy, what is the effect of caffeine on the fetus?

Answer 1

High caffeine consumption might cause miscarriage, low birth weight, preterm labor, or any number of things.

It has been shown to affect the baby's heart rate and movement.

Also, since caffeine is mildly addictive, a baby exposed to LARGE amounts of caffeine in utero might experience withdrawal symptoms after birth.

Keep in mind that this is true of LARGE amounts of caffeine. Those studies were done with huge amounts which would be extremely difficult to consume every day during pregnancy.

It is perfectly fine to drink Coke, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or anything else that has caffeine in it, as long as you keep it within reasonable amounts.

That would be 2 or 3 coffees a day, 5 or 6 Cokes, 10 glasses of tea, or nearly 15 cups of hot chocolate. All have close to the same caffeine content.

As long as you're drinking less than that, and having other beverages as well (milk, juice, water), there's nothing to worry about. Caffeine in doses that small won't cause any harm.

Answer 2

Caffeine’s Effects on the Developing Fetus
Caffeine easily passes from mother to fetus through the placenta. A developing fetus may have higher, sustained blood levels of caffeine than its mother because of immature metabolism.3 A few studies have shown that even moderate caffeine consumption affects fetal heart rate and movement patterns.3 A pregnant woman’s ability to metabolize caffeine slows as pregnancy progresses, so some of its effects may increase later in pregnancy.

Some studies have found that pregnant women who consumed large quantities of caffeine.....

Read the rest and TONS more here:
http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/681_1148.asp

Answer 3

Coke and coffee are perfectly fine as long is it's limited and not in excess. Some say it's fine to have every day but just to play it safe I'd say maybe once or twice a week but that's just me.

The only effects off the top of my head are that having too much dark pop can cause you to become dehydrated and also can cause headaches which are no fun during pregnancy. Coffee is the same way but alot more addictive so make sure you're only drinking a little and not in excess.

Answer 4

Ok it does cross the placenta and can effect the fetus much in the same way it effects us...however, there are no good studies that show that this will have any long term effect on children. I really wouldn't be too concerned. Nobody knew about this 20 years ago+. There have been studies that these babies (who have been exposed frequently) may have some problems with colic. I think it's crap. My first child, I had caffine almost daily. He was an angel. My second, had none, colic like nothing else! He cried sometimes 10 hours/day.

Answer 5

Relax. I drank a lot of Dr Pepper and my baby isn't small, he's BIG. At 36 weeks he's measuring 7 1/2 lbs already. YIKES!

You can safely consume up to 300mg of caffeine a day, and that's several cups of coffee. A regular cup of coffee has 60-120 mg. A 12 oz Coke is only 34 mg. That means you can safely drink almost a 12 pack of Coke a day! Don't worry yourself over every little thing you eat, or you won't eat anything at all!

Well, my answer already got 2 low ratings, lets see if we can get some more. LOL

Caffeine does NOT cause ADHD. That is crap.

Answer 6

My ob said that you can have 2 cups of coffee and 6 sodas a day and still be fine. I only drink 1 can of soda a day and I switched to caffein free. High caffein can cause miscarriage and low birth weight babies.

Answer 7

Well, the main problem is that caffeine is a diuretic so it causes you to lose water by making you pee. They say that in addition to the 6-8 glasses of water a day, you should drink an extra glass for each soda/coffee you drink. Other than that, there is very little substantial proof that it causes adhd, increased heart rate, etc. Personally, I drank one caffinated drink a day (sometimes 2) and my baby is fine. I drank tons of water to go with it. Good luck with your pregnancy!

Answer 8

I have read alot about this situation. I am a coca cola fan, and drink alot of it. My friends used to say, "your kids will be born with a coke in one hand and a pack of cigarets in the other" I did however quite smoking, but just could not drop the coca cola thing. My girls were born just perfect, 6lb 8oz, and 6lb 10oz. I drank about three 32oz a day. (bad I know) I am also pregnant again with a boy this time, and still drink coke. (still don't smoke) and everything is fine. I am 30 weeks pregnant, and they are expecting a 7lb baby. (just so you know why not 8 lbs. I am small.) I am only130 lbs at biggest weight ever. Normal weight is 105. Although everyone says coke may be bad, I have not had a bad experience and don't plan to.

Answer 9

It keeps it from using the minerals it needs to develop. Things like calcium and magnesium are not absorbed and used by its body, bones are weaker and less developed. It also over stimulates the heart which can lead to poor development of the circulatory system, which results in a newborn that needs oxygen and doesnt rate a high number after birth.

it also causes your body and the babies body to use calories for things other than growth and repair, leading to a thinner sicklier baby. its also been known to cause problems with hormones, leading to infant acne.

While not all babies are effected the same, others are effected worse, and some barely at all. But its not a risk to be taking, especially one so selfish as just wanting to make yourself feel good and awake.

Try matte' teas or other non caffiene drinks that stimulate the brain and not the body.

Answer 10

I would try to lower your caffeine intake. You dont have to eliminate it from your diet but I would suggest drinking more milk and juice it is good for the baby. Moderation is the key 2 per day is fine.