The New England Journal of Medicine published a study on December 21, 2000 called Caffeine Intake and the Risk of First-Trimester Spontaneous Abortion. This study concludes that non-smoking women who intake 100 mg of caffeine per day or more increase their risk of early miscarriage, if their baby has no genetic problems. The rate of risk is proportionate to the amount of caffeine, the more you intake, the greater the risk.
A five ounce cup of instant coffee averages about 65 mg of caffeine. Six ounces of some soft drinks contains about 20 mg of caffeine, with the range of 15 mg - 23 mg, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Caffeine can also be found in foods and certain medications.<P> Caffeine is not something that is recommended in our daily diets and yet many men and woman are addicted to caffeine. In preparation for pregnancy, it is recommended that the use of medications and drugs be discontinued at least three months prior to attempts to conceive. This also applies to caffeine in light of recent developments.
Tips on Cutting Caffeine Out
To cut caffeine out of your diet can be difficult. Many will experience side effects like headaches and cravings. To reduce the risks of these side effects it is recommended that you cut back slowly. For example, a coffee drinker should start with 3/4 of a cup of regular coffee and add 1/4 of decaffeinated coffee. Slowly they will increase the decaffeinated coffee until it is is the entire cup.
Whether you discontinue caffeine cold turkey or in a slower manner, it will help you to achieve a healthier pregnancy. It is also helpful to have your partner discontinue caffeine with you.
So as you prepare for pregnancy by eliminating hazards from your diet and life, remember a healthy body helps produce a healthy baby!
