According to a new study, released by The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, those pregnant women who intake only 200 milligrams, or more, of caffeine per day have twice the chance of miscarrying than those women who drink less or no caffeine at all. Two hundred milligrams of caffeine is the equivalent of a 10-ounce cup of coffee or a 25-ounce cup of tea.

As a result of the study's findings, many medical experts are advising that women eliminate caffeine from their diets completely at least for the first trimester. However, some physicians recommend that pregnant women cut out the caffeine altogether throughout the entire pregnancy.

Caffeine isn't found just in coffee, tea, and soft drinks. In fact, caffeine can be found in foods that contain chocolate and even in some medications. Pregnant women should be aware of the ingredients of food, drink, and medications before ingesting them.

Caffeine is potentially detrimental to pregnancy for several reasons. Because caffeine is a stimulant, it naturally increases a person's heart rate and blood pressure, both of which can be harmful during any stage of pregnancy.

In addition, when a pregnant woman consumes caffeine, she has to urinate more frequently which results in decreased body fluids and, in some instances, dehydration, both of which endanger the life of an unborn child. A pregnant woman's body has the ability to handle the effects of caffeine. A developing foetus, however, does not.

Because the foetus is still growing and her metabolism is not fully matured, her body simply cannot metabolize caffeine. As a result, a baby's sleep pattern and movement is likely going to be effected in the second and third trimesters. Caffeine, a stimulant, is going to keep both a pregnant woman and her growing baby awake, a disadvantage to both.

While there have been studies done on pregnant animals and the effects of consuming caffeine, there have not yet been studies done on pregnant women. What those animal studies have found, however, should serve as a warning to pregnant women and women who hope to become pregnant: Consumption of caffeine can lead to birth defects, infertility, and premature labour.

How much caffeine that is safe to consume daily is still a point of contention for many in the medical community. Some medical experts caution against having as little as 150 milligrams of caffeine every day while others assert that more than 300 milligrams is far too much. Those pregnant women who find it impossible to eliminate caffeine from their diets are generally advised to speak with their physician to determine the best course of action for their individual needs.

Because caffeine can potentially have a detrimental effect on developing fetus, pregnant women should discuss caffeine intake with their physicians as early in the pregnancy as possible.