Caffeine Responsible for Pregnancy Problems New Study Finds

PR Log (Press Release) – May 23, 2009 – Portland, Maine  - The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reports that pregnant women who consume 200 milligrams or more of caffeine a day — the amount in 10 ounces of coffee or 25 ounces of tea — may double their risk of miscarriage. The lead author of the study, Dr. De-Kun Li, a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, California, suggests that pregnant women may want to reduce their intake or cut it out entirely. “Stopping caffeine really doesn’t have any downside,” Dr. Li said.

It is well known that Caffeine crosses the placenta and reaches the developing baby, which cannot metabolize caffeine like an adult. For this reason, there has been much controversy on how much caffeine is safe for the developing baby if any at all. But this is the first study which links caffeine and miscarriage.

Recently the American Pregnancy Association weighed in on the benefits of drinking herbal tea during pregnancy and concluded along with several recent studies that not only do most herbal teas pose no risk to the developing child and mother, but herbal teas can also play a central role in strengthening the uterus muscles, decreasing the length of labor and decreasing the number of interventions used such as artificial rupture of membranes (AROM), assisted delivery, and cesarean delivery, as well as provide important vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, vitamin D, K and C. They do, however, caution that expecting mothers should consult with their midwife or Doctor before starting a strict regiment of herbal tea.

According to herbalist Sarah Richards, owner of http://www.homegrowntea.com, an online herbal tea apothecary located in Portland, Maine, it is important to buy your herbal teas from a reputed supplier and avoid herbs that are considered dangerous or are not in strict adherence to FDA guidelines. She also encourages expecting mothers to carefully consider where their herbs come from and how they are processed. “If it comes in a box with shrink wrap, I wouldn’t recommend it,” she said. Richards, who sources her herbs from local farmers, says herbs lose their potency and medical efficacy when they are over processed.

Richards own organic, hand-blended herbal teas include herbs known to be rich in minerals, vitamins, anti-inflammatory compounds, anti-oxidants and alkaloids.  One such alkaloid found in red raspberry leaf, fragrine, is known to strengthen and tone the uterus, increase milk production while decreasing nausea, and easing labor pains.

“No one wants to give up caffeine or coffee,” she said. “What I suggest is reducing your intake as much as you can stand and slowly transition to something that is both healthy for you and your baby.”

Richards also sells several blends to promote mammary gland health, lactation along with her popular pregnancy tea. Her teas can be found at http://www.homegrownherbandtea.com

For additional information on Homegrown Herb and Tea or to schedule and interview with Sarah Richards visit http://www.homegrownherbandtea.com.

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