Drinking too much of these drinks increases caffeine and clonidine intake, which excites the central nervous system, resulting in irritability, rapid breathing and heart rate, insomnia and other negative reactions. Since caffeine in the mother's body can easily pass through the placenta, your little one's bone development and other major organs may also be affected, causing low birth weight.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends pregnant women to limit their caffeine intake to a maximum of 300 mg/day. Hence, if possible, pregnant mothers should avoid drinking strong coffee. Besides, certain colas contain phosphoric substances, colourings and flavour additives that affect bone growth and calcification. In short, pregnant mothers should avoid these beverages and take warm water or mineral water instead as their main source of hydration.