How to get Pregnant » Drinks To Avoid During Pregnancy
Drinks To Avoid During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an exciting stage in a woman's life. Having a baby growing inside you is a very rewarding experience. However, when you are pregnant, you have to be extra careful. You have to be wary of the substances you will be taking in while you are pregnant, to protect your baby.
You have to be careful of the things that you take in and the things that you use. One of the things you often take for granted is what you drink. Do you know what you drink can really affect your health and your baby's? If you do not know why or how, then you have to read on!
What to Avoid Drinking
The first thing you have to avoid is alcohol. Alcohol and pregnancy don't mix. No one knows exactly what harmful effects even the smallest amount of alcohol has on a developing baby. Alcohol- drinking alcohol can impact your baby's brain development and increase the risk of miscarriage. At excessive levels, it may even cause deformities, mental retardation and low birth rates.
No level of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy, because no one metabolizes the same way. Since it's impossible to identify a safe dose, experts advise abstinence. Avoid all alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, hard liquor, wine coolers, and mixed drinks. It crosses the placental barrier and causes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). It is a permanent syndrome characterized by poor growth, abnormal facial features, and damage to the central nervous system. In addition, babies with FAS have abnormally small heads and brains, hearts, spines and other anatomical defects. They may also suffer from mental retardation, delays in physical developments, vision and hearing problems, and a variety of behavioral patterns. FAS is also linked to pre-term deliveries and low birth weight.
Another substance that you have to avoid is caffeine. In a 2008 study by the Kaiser Permanente revealed than even low levels of caffeine (200 mg a day) can increase the incidence of miscarriage and slow fetal development. Caffeinated beverages include coffee, hot chocolate and energy drinks.
Caffeine can prevent the absorption of folic acid, iron, and calcium. Switch to decaf if the craving for coffee is too much. Another drink you have to avoid is soft drinks. Many sodas contain chemicals like aspartame and high fructose corn syrups. Best to cut the artificial stuff out before, during and after pregnancy and quench your thirst with water.
During Pregnancy