Coffee and tea

These drinks contain compounds (caffeine, theine) whose excessive supply can affect the success of the pregnancy and the health of the future baby. Excessive amounts of these can become the cause of miscarriage, premature rupture of the foetal bladder, preterm labour or low birth weight of the foetus. Caffeine, by potentiating the harmful effects of certain substances contained in other products, can eventually lead to foetal malformations. Excess caffeine can cause cardiac abnormalities in the newborn and even convulsions. Caffeine also has a diuretic effect, which can cause insufficient fluid in the body and lead to electrolyte disturbances. It is acceptable to consume up to two glasses of weak coffee per day prepared in an espresso machine. This method of brewing coffee removes many harmful components from the coffee. Strong coffee can be replaced by decaffeinated coffee and cereal coffee. It is not advisable to drink a lot of strong tea during pregnancy. It can be successfully replaced with fruit or herbal teas.

Alcohol and alcoholic drinks

Any dose of alcohol taken by a pregnant woman can have an adverse effect on the foetus. It does not matter whether it is the alcohol contained in wine, beer or other drinks, even those labelled as non-alcoholic, as they are not entirely alcohol-free, but contain alcohol in negligible quantities. Alcohol consumption should therefore be avoided during pregnancy. Alcohol passes through the placenta into the foetus and is not metabolised, as the foetus does not have sufficiently developed enzymes responsible for its digestion. Alcohol taken during pregnancy can cause contraction of the umbilical cord vessels, disrupting the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the foetus, increasing the risk of foetal hypoxia and malnutrition, which can eventually lead to physical and mental underdevelopment in children. Children of mothers who drink large amounts of alcohol during pregnancy are more likely to be born prematurely, with developmental defects, and symptoms of alcohol abstinence are observed in their newborns. Later in life, the children show impaired psychomotor development, significant hyperactivity, as well as posing behavioural difficulties. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy also increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth or intrauterine fetal demise.

There are many foods in everyone's diet that contain potential health risks, but they are in such negligible quantities that they should not be feared. However, pregnant women should be particularly careful not to take them in excessive quantities. This does not mean that products containing artificial ingredients should be completely eliminated from the diet. To do so would be to give up everything, as you can find something in every food that contains such substances. It is safe to consume foods in moderation and in the right proportions. However, it is important to make sure that you try to include the foods that pose the least risk and that your diet is very varied. In addition, by washing your hands frequently, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly and observing the principles of correct and hygienic preparation of food, involving appropriate heat treatment or storage, it is possible to reduce the risk of, for example, microbial contamination. When composing one's diet, it is worth remembering that beta-carotene, contained mainly in green and yellow vegetables, largely eliminates the negative effects of toxins contained in food. Drinking sufficient quantities of mineral water also has a similar effect, as it flushes harmful substances from the body.