Caffeine During Pregnancy.

Caffeine is a component of many beverages and foods, including coffee, tea, cola drinks and chocolate. Some medications, such as cough medicines and headache preparations, contain a lot of caffeine. Caffeine is of no known benefit to you or the fetus.

As a central-nervous-system stimulant, caffeine can affect calcium metabolism in both you and your baby. Pregnant women who drink 4 cups of coffee a day (800 mg of caffeine) are at risk of delivering a baby with decreased birth weight and a smaller head size. Half that amount of caffeine in a pregnant woman (400 mg a day) may affect a baby's developing respiratory system. One study showed this exposure before birth might be linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

An exact "toxic" amount for caffeine has not been determined, but it makes sense to limit your intake. Read labels on foods, beverages and over-the-counter medications to determine caffeine content. Eliminate as much caffeine from your diet as possible