Caffeine VS Carbonation

So since I have gotten pregnant I want cokes all the time. I tried to cut back but started getting the caffeine headaches. Me and Joey got into a dicussion and I became very curious on which one was worse...cafeine or carbonation. According to what I have read neither is good(go figure).  Here is a little insight I thought I would share...

The Effects of Carbonated Drinks in Pregnant Women

By Danelle Atwood, eHow Contributor

When you become pregnant, it is important to watch what you eat in addition to how much you eat. Although carbonated drinks are acceptable in moderation while you're pregnant, drinking too much of them can potentially cause health problems and uncomfortable side effects like bloating and increased weight gain.

1. 
   '9 de enero' is Copyrighted by Flickr user: Daquella manera (Daniel Lobo) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

   Caffeine

2. Caffeine is a stimulant that is commonly found in carbonated drinks. The March of Dimes advises that pregnant women consume less than 200mg of caffeine per day, since elevated levels of caffeine can contribute to a higher risk of miscarriage.

   Dehydration

3. Consuming large amounts of carbonated drinks can leave you feeling dehydrated, due to the amount of chemicals that are used to make them. This dehydration is made worse if you do not consume adequate amounts of water.

   Depletion of Calcium

4. Drinking large amounts of carbonated drinks begins to deplete your body's calcium reserves. When coupled with your unborn baby's calcium needs, this can contribute to decreasing bone density and predispose you to diseases like osteoporosis.

   Excessive Weight Gain

5. Many carbonated drinks are nutritionally empty, filled with carbohydrates and sugars. Should you consume many carbonated drinks, you may predispose yourself to gaining unnecessary weight that will be difficult to shed after your baby is born.

   Bloating

6. The bubbling of carbonated drinks may leave you feeling bloated and gaseous. This is most common during your first trimester, when you are more predisposed to nausea.

   Increased Heartburn

7. Carbonated drinks are slightly acidic in nature due to the chemicals that are used to make them. Thus, during your second and third trimesters, carbonated drinks may result in increased heartburn.

Read more: The Effects of Carbonated Drinks in Pregnant Women | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5548702_effects-carbonated-drinks-pregnant-women.html#ixzz1AMNXvEC7

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What's the Real Scoop on Caffeine During Pregnancy

Caffeine is one of the most loved stimulants in America! But now that you are pregnant, you may need to lighten up on the daily intake of your favorite drinks and treats.

Facts About Caffeine:

Caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic. Because caffeine is a stimulant, it increases your blood pressure and heart rate, both of which are not recommended during pregnancy. Caffeine also increases the frequency of urination. This causes reduction in your body fluid levels and can lead to dehydration.
Caffeine crosses the placenta to your baby. Although you may be able to handle the amounts of caffeine you feed your body, your baby cannot. Your baby's metabolism is still maturing and cannot fully metabolize the caffeine. Any amount of caffeine can also cause changes in your baby's sleep pattern or normal movement pattern in the later stages of pregnancy. Remember, caffeine is a stimulant and can keep both you and your baby awake.
Caffeine is found in more than just coffee. Caffeine is not only found in coffee but also in tea, soda, chocolate, and even some over-the-counter medications that relieve headaches. Be aware of what you consume.

Fact or Myth?

Statement: Caffeine causes birth defects in humans.
Facts: Numerous studies on animals have shown that caffeine can cause birth defects, preterm delivery, reduced fertility, and increase the risk of low-birth weight offspring and other reproductive problems. There have not been any conclusive studies done on humans though. It is still better to play it safe when it comes to inconclusive studies.
Statement: Caffeine causes infertility.
Facts: Some studies have shown a link between high levels of caffeine consumption and delayed conception.
Statement: Caffeine causes miscarriages.
Facts: A few studies have shown that there may be an increase in miscarriages among women who consume more than 300 mg (three 5 oz. cups of coffee) a day. Other outcomes include preterm labor and low-birth weight babies. Again, it is safer to avoid caffeine as much as possible.
Statement: A pregnant woman should not consume ANY caffeine.
Facts: Experts have stated that moderate levels of caffeine have not been found to have a negative effect on pregnancy. The definition of moderate varies anywhere from 150 mg - 300 mg a day.

How much caffeine is in your favorite drinks & snacks?

• Starbucks Grande Coffee (16 oz) 400 mg
• Starbucks House Blend Coffee (16 oz) 259 mg
• Dr. Pepper (12 oz) 37 mg
• 7 Eleven Big Gulp Diet Coke (32 oz) 124 mg
• 7 Eleven Big Gulp Coca-Cola (32 oz) 92 mg
• Ben & Jerry's Coffee Buzz Ice Cream (8 oz) 72 mg
• Baker's chocolate (1 oz) 26 mg
• Green tea (6 oz) 40 mg
• Black tea (6 oz) 45 mg
• Excedrin (per capsule) 65mg

How much caffeine is too much?

The less caffeine you consume, the better. Some experts say more than 150 mg of caffeine a day is too much, while others say more than 300 mg a day is too much. Avoiding caffeine as much as possible is your safest course of action. If you must get your fix, it is best to discuss this with your health care provider to make the healthiest choice for you and your baby.

So what have I learned??? Water is the safest way to go for Colton...
Wish me Luck!!!