Alcohol and Caffeine During Pregnancy

Remember that what you eat and drink can affect your baby. Avoid drinking any alcoholic beverages while you are pregnant. Alcohol can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which is an condition that can affect your baby for its entire life. FAS is a preventable cause of birth defects and mental retardation.

Caffeine is a stimulant found in colas, coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, and some over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs. Consumed in large quantities, caffeine may cause irritability, nervousness and insomnia as well as low-birth-weight babies. Caffeine is also a diuretic and can dehydrate the pregnant woman's body of valuable water. Some studies do indicate that caffeine intake pregnancy can harm the fetus. Until more is known, caffeine should be avoided. Caffeine is an ingredient in many OTC and prescription drugs. Before taking any drugs, a pregnant woman should consult her physician.