I am nine weeks into my pregnancy. As usual, my morning sickness comes on and off.
But lately, I have the urge to drink caffeinated drinks, like cola when my morning sickness comes on, and I just have to drink a can of cola. It somehow helps to easy my my urge to vomit.
Is this normal and will there by any problem to my growing foetus if I drank too much of it?
Angeline Tan
Dr Fong replies:
Your question is certainly a valid one. With more men and women are drinking more coffee and cola drinks nowadays, there is always the worry whether it affects fertility and pregnancy.
Caffeine is a stimulant. It increases heart rate and blood pressure, and causes you to be more alert. At the same time, it is also a diuretic, that is, it increases urination and may dehydrate the body.
Caffeine is found not only in coffee, but also in tea, chocolate, cola, energy drinks etc. The content and amount in each type of drink varies. Most people like their morning 'fix' to start off the day.
So what about its effect on pregnancy?
To summarise, there is no clear cut evidence that small amounts of caffeine does affect pregnancy and its outcome adversely. There are conflicting reports about larger amounts of caffeine intake linking it to an increase risk in miscarriage, premature labour, lowered birth weight and even neurological problems in the newborn.
Most doctors would advise patients that moderation in all things would be a good guide, including consuming food substances. Those used to having regular caffeine drinks may wish to cut down on the amount.
A good rule of thumb may be limiting to just one 'drink' a day. Spreading out that 'drink' instead of taking it at one go is another strategy, for example, having half a cup of coffee or cola instead of the full drink at one time. Going for decaffeinated/ substitute drinks may yet be another alternative.
Having said that, patients with pre-existing medical problems may need to avoid caffeine altogether.
Those with a history of infertility, threatened miscarriage, severe morning sickness, pre-term labour, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, renal or other long standing medical conditions etc, should avoid stimulant substances.
Of course, you should always discuss these issues with your regular doctor to individualise your management plan.
Got a question on your reproductive health? Email it to us at Just Woman and we will get Dr Fong Yoke Fai, a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the National University Hospital to reply.
