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Part One: Research

Chapter One: Pregnancy Nutrition

Caffeine.

First off, let me say that I don't drink much caffeine as it is, so I don't imagine I'll increase my intake during pregnancy. Second, caffeine is a stimulant, and I don't really think I want to stimulate my fetus any more than necessary. I mean, he'll already be kicking the crap out of me as it is... why would I wanna give him more energy?

Anyway, even though I am not concerned about caffeine for myself, I figured readers might want to know more about it. So here it is. My post on caffeine during pregnacy. Woo!

As you all know, caffeine is a stimulant. It's also a diuretic. It increases your heartrate and your blood pressure - two major no-no's in the pregnancy journey. (side note: anytime I hear someone make reference to the "pregnancy journey", I immediately imagine a pregnant woman walking along with a pack mule, journeying on to some foreign destination. I have no idea why.) Another thing, ever noticed that when you drink lots of coffee or soda, you pee more? Don't ya think you're peeing enough as it is, what with Junior working on his one-two punch by using your bladder as a punching bag? Why add more trips to the potty than necessary?

Apparently, coffee drinkers have a higher risk of a miscarriage. One site, epigee.org, referenced a Danish study that polled more than 80,000 pregnant women regarding their coffee intake. This study found that women who drank large amounts of coffee during pregnancy were more likely to experience a miscarriage. Women who drank more than 2 cups of coffee a day had a slightly increased risk of miscarriage, while those that drank 8 or more cups experienced a 59% increase. That's pretty damn significant, in my opinion. So put down the Folger's, and pick up some water.

But, don't fret, my Pepsi-loving pet. You can still curb that caffeine craving somewhat.

According to americanpregnancy.org, experts and studies have stated that "moderate" levels of caffeine have not been found to have a negative effect on pregnancy. The definition of "moderate" varies anywhere from 150 mg - 300 mg a day. The site also provided a handy dandy chart for easy reference. See below:

Starbucks Grande Coffee (16 oz) = 400 mg
Starbucks House Blend Coffee (16 oz) = 259 mg
Dr. Pepper = (12 oz) 37 mg
7 Eleven Big Gulp Diet Coke (32 oz) = 124 mg
7 Eleven Big Gulp Coca-Cola (32 oz) = 92 mg
Ben & Jerry's Coffee Buzz Ice Cream (8 oz) = 72 mg (um, HELL YEAH)
Baker's chocolate (1 oz) = 26 mg
Green tea (6 oz) = 40 mg
Black tea (8oz) = 60 mg
Excedrin (per capsule) = 65mg

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Posted By: Merc - Category: No Category

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Pregnancy II - Fruits & Veggies

September 7th 2008 17:20

Part One: Research

Chapter One: Pregnancy Nutrition

Fruits and Veggies.

It's kind of a no-brainer that fruits and vegetables should be part of your every day diet, and never is it more necessary than when you're growing a tiny squirmy thing in your uterus.

Many fruits provide nearly as much energy as coffee and other caffeine laced booster drinks, without the crash and without the harmful side effects those products can have on your baby. Bananas have a high energy output, along with being a great source of protein and natural sugars. Calm down, sugar sistah, it's not quite as fulfilling for your craving as those Ghirardelli chocolates, but it will help curb the desire a little bit. If you're trying to avoid excess sugars, avocados have a higher energy and protein output with far less sugar than bananas. Of course, debating the sugar content of fruits is sort of a moot point since no one's teeth are going to rot because of an apple a day.

Vegetables are a top priority when feeding the precious parasite. There aren't really any no-no's when it comes to consuming vegetables, and most guides state you should consume different colors of vegetables. I know that sounds kindergarten-ish, but it's the truth. Dark leafy greens such as spinach and dark green lettuce are saturated in carotenoids (beta-carotene). Carrots, your classic orange veg, are high in potassium. Corn, another high potassium veggie, is also a good source of Vitamin A as well as a decent energy output. And might I add, sweet corn on the cob is friggin' delicious.

There is no evidence that organic fruits and vegetables are of higher nutrition value than your regular, run of the mill, Safeway produce. The one thing you simply must remember when purchasing and consuming fruits and vegetables is to wash them thoroughly. Eating them raw or steamed will benefit more than stir frying them with peanut butter and venison (don't lie, you know you've had stranger cravings than that).

The Fruit Pages
Veggie Nutrition Facts

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Posted By: Merc - Category: No Category

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Pregnancy I - Seafood

September 5th 2008 00:39

Part One: Research

Chapter One: Pregnancy Nutrition

I have always been fascinated by the sheer number of food stuffs that people recommend staying away from. Or worse, absolutely berate a pregnant woman for ingesting. I want to take a look at a few of these in an attempt to muddle through the old wives' tales and find a little bit of truth.

Seafood.

One of the biggest no-no's that I've heard as far as pregnancy food intake is seafood. But what makes seafood more dangerous to a fetus than to a grown adult or even a child? And further, is all seafood off limits, or just certain sea creatures?

Seafood is a fantastic source of protein and omega-3 fatty acid, both of which are nothing if not beneficial to the development of that little sea monkey in there. Cutting seafood out completely can actually be harmful to certain developmental aspects, such as verbal skills. But the concern with all things water bound is that most seafood contains mercury, which can damage the nervous system.

According to Mayoclinic.com older and bigger fish have more mercury. The FDA discourages the consumption of Swordfish, Shark, King Mackerel, and Tilefish.

Lucky for me, I have only ever tried swordfish and shark. I didn't like shark in the least, and can tolerate not consuming swordfish (especially since I've had it twice in my life and also living in Colorado severely limits my exposure to big wide ocean dwelling fish).

Now, before those of us that are used to chowing down on seafood go into panic mode – side note: being from New Orleans, I can't imagine completely giving up swimming critters for nine whole months! – there is hope. The FDA states that you can safely munch up to, hold on to your hats, 12 whole ounces a week of certain seafood! A cup and a half! Oh happy day! Included in this less than massive list is Shrimp, Catfish (woohoo!), canned light Tuna, and something called Pollock which I have never ever heard of in my entire not quite thirty years of life.

Sorry Sushi lovers, you need to make sure your little Nemo combo has seen a frying pan. No raw fish or shellfish for an impregnito.

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Posted By: Merc - Category: No Category

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Krazy Kiddos

September 4th 2008 18:45

When your child's political views influence his day to day operations.

Lins shares

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Posted By: Merc - Category: No Category

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Purpose of KidAntics

September 3rd 2008 20:45

I have not spawned any demonseed as of yet. I'm getting married in a couple of months, and due to the fact that I've had a severe case of baby fever for about two years now, I don't think we will be waiting long to produce kidlings.

Here, I will record the day to day (or whenever I get around to it) goings on in my quest to get knockered up, the adventure through the pregnancy stage, and beyond

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Posted By: Merc - Category: No Category

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