Better safe than sorry

September 18, 2011 07:32 pm | Updated 07:32 pm IST

That's as the popular saying goes and is very relevant for mothers-to-be. There is a precious life growing inside you that is dependent on you for its very existence. Taking care of yourself in body and mind for nine months should be your number one priority to raise a healthy baby and give it the best possible start in life.

The consumption of some substances such as tea, coffee, alcohol and smoking during pregnancy has come under scrutiny. These substances are considered taboo, especially during this phase.

Caffeine

“I can't start my day without coffee; I need my cup of coffee first thing in the morning. I consume at least two more cups at work. Is it true caffeine is not safe during pregnancy?”

Alas! The relative safety of caffeine consumption during pregnancy remains a point of debate in medical circles; however, new studies reinforce the idea that reducing caffeine intake during pregnancy is the ideal way to go.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends moderate caffeine consumption — i.e. less than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day (about 12 ounces of coffee and about 30 ounces of tea) a day for pregnant women.

But be aware that caffeine in coffee, tea, colas and other soft drinks does reach the foetus through the placenta. So until more is known it's best to cut back if you are a caffeine addict.

Here are some additional reasons to give up caffeinated coffee, tea and colas during pregnancy or at least to cut down consumption.

* Caffeine has a diuretic effect, drawing fluid and calcium — both vital to maternal and foetal health — from the body.

* Caffeine intake causes frequent urination.

* Coffee and tea, especially when taken with milk or cream and sugar, tend to fill you up without being nutritious and can spoil your appetite for the nutritious food you need.

* Colas are not only filling but may contain questionable chemicals and unnecessary sugar.

* Caffeine can exacerbate your normal pregnancy mood swings and interfere with your rest.

* Caffeine may interfere with the absorption of iron both you and your baby need.

* Research suggests excessive caffeine use could result in abnormal heartbeat, rapid respiration and tremors in the newborn.

Tips to break the caffeine habit

* Switch to a naturally decaffeinated replacement.

* Substitute colas with unsweetened fruit juices

* If you crave a caffeine lift – try some exercise and good food such as complex carbs and protein to enjoy a more natural and longer-lasting boost.

A few days after giving up caffeine, you will begin to feel better than ever!

Alcohol

Both animal studies and human experience relating to maternal alcohol consumption have confirmed two conditions — ‘foetal alcohol syndrome' and ‘foetal alcohol effect'. The main features of these conditions are poor prenatal and postnatal growth, abnormal facial features and cognitive problems ranging from trouble with learning and attention, to more severe mental retardation. Congenital heart defects and brain anomalies and other major congenital anomalies such as spina bifida and limb defects are also observed.

This syndrome occurs in 30 to 40 per cent of women who are alcoholics but as little as three ounces of absolute alcohol per day can result in foetal alcohol syndrome. Thus doctors and gynaecologists the world over insist on a “no alcohol” policy during pregnancy.

“I've heard its okay to have an occasional glass of wine during pregnancy.”

At one time it was believed that an occasional glass of wine was okay. But since then, it is learnt that worldwide, alcohol is probably the greatest single cause of birth defects. The problem with recommending any safe level of alcohol intake during pregnancy is that the safe levels of episodic drinking have not been clearly defined. Even a glass of beer or wine may have an impact on the development of your unborn child.

Bottomline Complete abstinence is safest for the baby. If you drink regularly, or have trouble quitting on your own, seek help before conception or as soon as you know you're pregnant.

Smoking

“Smoking Kills!”

“Tobacco causes Cancer”

Every cigarette packet carries these statutory warnings. Smoking has become a universal taboo, whether you are pregnant or not. It's an established fact that in addition to the health risks smoking exposes you to such as cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and high blood pressure, it can also have dire consequences for your baby.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, women who smoke place their child at increased risk for a wide variety of pregnancy complications. Among the more serious of these are vaginal bleeding, abnormal placental implantation, premature placental detachment, premature rupture of the membranes and early delivery.

If you have consumed these substances in the past — don't worry — but stop now! Focus on healthy forms of relaxation for a natural ‘high' such as yoga, meditation, massage and exercise.

The writer is a certified Clinical Exercise Specialist, Lifestyle and Weight Management Specialist.

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