While research continues, your doctor will continue to recommend supplements based on your individual health profile. Remember that what you eat and drink can affect your baby. Avoid drinking any alcoholic beverages while you are pregnant. FAS is a preventable cause of birth defects and mental retardation. Caffeine is also a diuretic and can dehydrate the pregnant woman's body of valuable water.
Some studies do indicate that caffeine intake pregnancy can harm the fetus.
Until more is known, caffeine should be avoided. Caffeine is an ingredient in many OTC and prescription drugs. Before taking any drugs, a pregnant woman should consult her physician. As a pregnant woman, you need more nutrients to help your baby grow and be healthy. Besides folic acid and iron, which we have already discussed.