Caffeine has been associated in some animal studies with an increased risk of miscarriage. Studies that reported such correlations were conducted on rats, which have little in common with humans. In most of the studies the amount of caffeine given to the animals was equal to 12 cups of coffee a day. These studies identify 300 mg as the threshold, ...

There are several types of artificial sweeteners on the market today. The most popular to date has been Equal (Aspartame), though there is also the new sweetener known and Splenda (Sucralose) as well as the familiar brand SweetÕnÕ Low (Saccharin). Concerns have been raised about the possibility that such sweeteners may in fact cause fetal defects, reproductive complications, and cancer. ...

Pica is an insatiable appetite for non-nutritional materials such as ice, clay, wall plaster, etc. Patients with pica suffer nutritional deficiencies because their appetite for non-nutritional foods often leads to an under consumption of ÒregularÓ foods (i.e. nutritional foods). It is unclear what causes women to develop pica, although iron deficiency has been associated with it.

To start with, pregnant women should avoid all fish cultivated in fish farms. Fish farms utilize byproducts of large fish processing as part of the mix that makes fish food for the farm-raised fish. Large fish such as sharks, swordfish, tuna, and any other fish that have long life spans and are high in the food chain, are more likely ...

No. As long as the motherÕs health is normal and the pregnancy is not complicated, cardiovascular activity is actually beneficial to both the mother and the baby. In fact, increased cardiovascular activity during the first trimester has been associated with improved fetal growth and pregnancy outcomes.