Men can be forgiven for thinking they can drink whatever they want during their partner's pregnancy. However, a paradigm shift is in order as scientists believe caffeine consumption in both men and women can increase the risk of miscarriages.
In a new study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, scientists observed 344 heterosexual couples before and after the woman's pregnancy. Throughout the study, each partner was asked to keep tabs on how much caffeine they consume per day.
Huffington Post reported that out of the 344 couples, 98 experienced a miscarriage. Women who were 35 and younger were less likely to have failed pregnancies than those who were older than 35.
With regards to caffeine consumption, women who drink more than two caffeinated beverages per day have a 74 percent chance of experiencing a miscarriage. Meanwhile, men who drink two caffeinated drinks daily put their partners at a 73 percent higher risk.
"Our findings indicate that the male partner matters, too," said Dr. Germaine Buck Louis, the director of Intramural Population Health Research at the National Institute of Child Health and Development. "Male pre-conception consumption of caffeinated beverages was just as strongly associated with pregnancy loss as females."
Scientists also discovered that multivitamin intake reduces the risk of miscarriages. Women who incorporate a multivitamin into their daily diet before pregnancy had a 55 percent chance of having a successful gestation period. Those who continue to take the multivitamin during pregnancy are 79 percent less likely to experience a miscarriage.
Scientists advise couples to reduce their caffeine consumption to less than three beverages per day. Expectant parents should also consider taking daily multivitamin supplements before and during pregnancy.
Baby Center pointed out that caffeine is present in coffee, coffee-based ice creams, soft drinks, energy drinks and tea, just to name a few. It is also an essential ingredient in over-the-counter drugs such as those that treat colds, allergies and headaches.
