Caffeine & Low Birth Weight Babies

These studies begin to point the way to the more permanent damage that coffee drinking can inflict on the unborn. The use of caffeine during pregnancy has been widely studied. There is much evidence to suggest that caffeine is associated with low-birth weight and related problems.

For example, one recent (1997) study of about 1,000 women in Yugoslavia showed that, among nonsmoking mothers, a "significant reduction" in birth weight was observed in babies whose mothers drank just 71 mg of caffeine a day ? less than one cup. Low birth weight is generally considered to be newborn babies weighing less than five pounds.

WHY WOMEN SHOULD AVOID COFFEE

Interestingly, the average caffeine intake of these subjects was 133 mg per day, or nearly double that at which low-birth weight incidences begin to appear. Part of the problem caused by mothers who use caffeine is the way the female body clears caffeine during pregnancy.

Studies have shown that during their first trimester of pregnancy, coffee-drinking women clear caffeine from their bodies in the same way that nonpregnant women do. But after that, the half-life of caffeine (the time it takes to eliminate half of the ingested caffeine from the body) almost doubles ? from 2.5 hours to 4.5 hours. Therefore, since caffeine remains in the body for a longer period of time, it courses through the veins of the fetus for longer periods of time.

It's not unusual, then, for studies to consistently report that there is a significant increased risk of miscarriage and low-birth weight when pregnant mothers drink coffee. And the increased risk starts at extremely low amounts ? with just one or two cups a day. And why is all this talk about low-birth weight important? Lower birth weight is linked to increased risk of dying in early infancy.

Marina Kushner is the founder of the Caffeine Awareness Alliance, the first non-profit organization dedicated solely to educating consumers about the dangers of caffeine intoxication. She is a reformed coffee drinker, leading investigative journalist and speaker. She is president of Soy Coffee, LLC, makers of the popular caffeine-free coffee substitute "Soyfee", which is made from soybeans. Certified organic, its brewed just like coffee and comes in 8 delicious flavors like hazelnut, mocha, french vanilla & house blend. Its available at select health food stores or online at http://www.soycoffee.com.

---

Powered by Feedzilla

Contact Us Today For Ad Information...

Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Cheap Domain Names

Does Your Morning Coffee Cause You Pain or Discomfort?

Does your morning coffee cause you pain? Are you frustrated... Read More

Coffee, Caffeine & Fitness

One look at a line at the local Starbucks in... Read More

Coffees of India

India produces two fine coffees, but even among coffee devotees... Read More

Gourmet Coffee Beans

You can be a coffee lover without knowing much about... Read More

Ganoderma Coffee - Can It Be Good For You?

Are you a coffee addict? Are you searching for a... Read More

The History Of Coffee

Coffee - THE Drink of ChoiceDid you know coffee is... Read More

Coffee and Depression: Coffee as an Antidepressant?

When you grab that morning cup of java, you're probably... Read More

Russian Tea drinking - The beginning

It is believed history of Russian tea drinking tradition have... Read More

Fresh Gourmet Coffee

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the... Read More

How to Make Restaurant Quality Coffee At Home

Have you ever wondered how restaurants get their coffee to... Read More

Coffee Storage Myths; Freeze Your Fresh Roasted Coffee & Other Popular Misconceptions

So you are finally fed up with that bland black... Read More

Caffeine - I Bet You Didnt Know This! Health and Nutrition!

What exactly is caffeine? It is a colorless, somewhat bitter... Read More

Mr. Coffee Versus Bunn-o-Matic - The Coffee Maker Battle Heats Up

For coffee lovers, there are few things more appealing than... Read More

Coffee and Asthma?

Here are some facts about the relationship between coffee and... Read More

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Espresso Machine

Buying an espresso machine is an important decision ? choose... Read More

Campfire Coffee Recipes

Want to know a few secrets to making a good... Read More

Diabetes and the Preventive Power of Coffee!

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most rapidly... Read More

Arabica Coffee Beans Are Pricey Yet Priceless!

Arabica coffee beans are known for a better-flavored coffee. There... Read More

There is More to Motivation Than Meets the Coffee

The stress of unemployment can really take a toll on... Read More

Tea at Sea

Marylyn Monroe famed amongst other things for her love of... Read More

History of the Coffee and Espresso Machine

A large percentage of the population loves to drink both... Read More

Tips For Choosing The Perfect Travel Mug

A good travel mug is a must when you need... Read More

Woman Dies from Caffeine Overdose and Expert Calls for Action in New Book and FDA Petition

An autopsy released this week has found caffeine to be... Read More

Is Caffeine a Hero or a Villain in Your Life?

Many sober, law abiding people who would never dream of... Read More

Those Elusive Coffee Beans!

With the spread of various coffee beans into our lives,... Read More