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Liquid Health

Smart Nutrition for Thirsty Moms

By Dr. Aneema Van Groenou

Caffeine actually interferes with your body's ability to absorb calcium and iron. During pregnancy, these nutrients are absolutely essential to your fetus' growth. In fact, drinking caffeine during pregnancy can even, rarely, cause babies to be born with weak bones because of poor calcium absorption. Caffeine is also associated with low birth weight infants, prematurity and stillbirth. It also can lead to anemia (low iron), future osteoporosis and inflamed gums in both you and your baby-to-be.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which is associated with stillbirths, physical and mental retardation and brain damage. Even moderate alcohol use can cause infertility, miscarriage, placental abruption (separation of the placenta from the uterine wall) and low birth weight babies.

Alcohol interferes with your body's ability to absorb folic acid, which is essential for the fetus' development, especially of the brain and nervous system during the first trimester. Some doctors feel comfortable allowing women to drink a glass of wine per week during the third trimester – but remember that alcohol is going straight into your fetus' bloodstream, too.

Milk is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Your body conveniently absorbs extra calcium during your first trimester and uses it for your baby's bones. You store that calcium for your baby's bones, which grow during the third trimester. To get the most calcium, drink milk in small amounts during the day and before going to bed. If you're concerned about hormones and antibiotics in milk, consider organic milk.

Want to see more?

• Eating for Two
• Nutrition is Key: Prevent Complications and Give Birth to a Healthier Baby
• Pregnancy During the Holidays: Avoiding the Extra Sweets and Treats of the Season
• Talk about it!

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