If you're pregnant and battle through the afternoon slumps with a cold energy buzz, you may want to reach for the water, instead. Research is now suggesting that consuming energy drinks is linked to stillbirths. Moms who consume just one energy drink a day had a 27% of miscarrying after 24 weeks.

While most women cut down on caffeine while pregnant, a reported 54%, 1 in 20 women actually increased their caffeine intake. According to YAHOO! News, scientists from the charity Tommy’s Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre at the University of Manchester studied the caffeine consumption of more than 1,000 mothers across 41 UK hospitals between 2014 and 2016. The study found that women who consumed energy drinks while pregnant were 1.85 times more likely to endure a stillbirth. It is unclear on the amount of caffeine each woman consumed, though.

Among the research of beverages that the woman consumed were energy drinks, instant coffee, and cola, which was shown to increase risk the most, but more research is needed to understand specifically whether it is the caffeine in these drinks that is causing the risk. “Caffeine has been in our diets for a long time, and, as with many things we like to eat and drink, large amounts can be harmful, especially during pregnancy,” explained study author Professor Alexander Heazell.

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The effects of too much caffeine affect an unborn baby greatly; developing babies don't have the enzymes that are produced by the liver to break down caffeine. Just like the dangers of smoking or drinking while pregnant, caffeine crosses the placenta, making the unborn baby vulnerable to the risks.

But what is an acceptable amount of caffeine, and what should you stay away from? The Professor explained that totally kicking the caffeine habit isn't entirely necessary-- one cup of coffee a day is a "relatively small risk". However, he urged that anyone who is pregnant should be fully aware of the risks of consuming too much caffeine while pregnant. It's vital to cut down as much as you can. A healthier alternative is to swap over to decaffeinated tea and coffee, fruit juice, or water.

The Tommy's team reported that an average can of energy drink contains 103 mg, but urged expectant mothers to be cognizant of the size of the can. Monster energy drink contains a whopping 160mg of caffeine, where one cup of coffee comes in at 80mg. “The national guidelines should be the limit, not the goal, and the more you can cut down beyond that the better. Breaking habits can be hard, but little things like switching to decaf and swapping fizzy drinks for fruit juice or squash can really help reduce the risk” stated Professor Heazell.

What are some of your favorite ways to boost energy while pregnant? Let us know in the comments section!

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Sources: YAHOO!,  The Sun, Instagram-@tommys_pregnancyhub