Health Tip: Caffeine and Pregnancy
Watching what you eat and drink while you're pregnant is important for the health of you and your baby.
Caffeine is a stimulant. When you consume it, it is delivered across the placenta to your baby, whose metabolism can't process the stimulant like an adult's metabolism.
The American Pregnancy Association says the best thing you can do is to consume as little caffeine as possible. It offers this additional information:
- Caffeine stimulates your heart rate and raises your blood pressure. Both of these things aren't recommended during pregnancy.
- Caffeine increases urine output, which could lead to dehydration.
- Caffeine received by your baby can cause changes in the baby's sleep and movement patterns.
- Don't forget that caffeine isn't just in coffee or sodas, it can be found in many foods. Check labels to look for caffeine content.
Health Tip: Caught a Cold?
'Tis the season for a runny nose, cough, sore throat and other symptoms of the common cold.
You shouldn't treat a cold -- always caused by a virus -- with antibiotics, since these medicines are meant to treat bacterial infections. But there are things you can do to feel better while the cold runs its course.
The University of Virginia Health System offers these suggestions:
- Try over-the-counter medications, such as an antihistamine, decongestant or cough medicine.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- Take a pain reliever to control headache and fever.
- Soothe a sore throat by gargling with warm salt water.
- Apply petroleum jelly to sore, dry skin around the nose and lips.
- Use a warm steam to ease congestion.
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