Go Cold Turkey when You’re Pregnant!
by Djulia Montana P. de Veyra
So you’re pregnant. Now the doctor asks you if you’ve been using any form of drug. You readily say no. Well, think again. You may actually be taking large doses of a psychoactive drug. What else could it be if not caffeine? One thing, getting pregnant is a good time to go cold turkey, and for plenty of great reasons.
You Want a Healthy Baby!
Caffeine consumption is no good for the developing baby in your tummy. As a matter of fact, it can have serious effects on your little angel.
Remember how they talk about withdrawal symptoms showing when you suddenly go cold turkey? The same thing may happen to your baby when he gets out of your womb (and your supply of caffeine). You see, the caffeine you take in makes its way to your baby. So by essence, your baby would be drinking coffee too. And this can cause complications, since your baby has a teeny weeny body (which means much less body mass and more caffeine sensitivity).
Picture this, caffeine passes very easily across the placenta. If you keep ingesting huge amounts of coffee, the fetus will end up getting as much caffeine as you are receiving. If you suddenly stop drinking within 24 hours, your baby will start experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Now imagine what will happen when you finally deliver the baby. You would then be cutting him/her out of the caffeine supply. Don’t be surprised to notice withdrawal symptoms on your newborn baby. These symptoms are not all that different than those noticed in heroin babies (or those born to heroin users). Your baby will be crying a lot, will have difficulty sleeping, and will be agitated and restless. You will also notice your baby sweat a lot. He/she will also be wriggling, abrading the skin on his/her knees and hands.
To top it all, caffeine can lead to serious complications. Think Neonatal Apnoea (the baby seems to forget to breathe properly) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Several studies continue to examine the effects of caffeine on human development. Many results are yet to be conclusive. Still, every pregnant woman should subscribe to one simple rule—“Err on the side of caution.” There’s just no good reason for you to compromise your little angel’s health.
And oh, you must take note of the fact that coffee is not the only source of caffeine. Thus, you should also cut down on tea and cola beverages. All for the love of your baby!