Many people rely on coffee to start their day, but if you are trying to conceive or are pregnant, you may wonder whether it is safe to consume caffeine. This resource discusses the relationship between coffee, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes. It contains excerpts from our Caffeine and Fertility guide available to our Premium Members.
What is caffeine?
First, it is important to know what caffeine is. It is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, chocolate, and some medications.
Potential benefits of caffeine include:
Stimulating the nervous system: increasing alertness and energy
Enhancing cognitive functions: improving memory, mood, and general cognitive functions
Physical performance: boosts endurance and performance in athletes
Antioxidant properties: it contains antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
Potential risks of caffeine include:
Sleep disruption: it can lead to insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns if consumed late in the day
Dependence and withdrawal: regular use can lead to dependance and stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, irritability, and fatigue
Health health: high consumption may Increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can be problematic for Individuals with cardiovascular conditions
Digestive issues: it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as acid reflux or upset stomach
Dehydration: caffeine acts as a diuretic, which can contribute to or cause dehydration
Caffeine and Fertility
Most research does not conclude that caffeine is unsafe for pregnancy, but it is recommended to limit intake to 200mg per day. There are some historical concerns, including a 1998 study that suggested women who drank coffee had lower conception rates, but subsequent studies have not confirmed this finding.
No conclusive evidence indicates caffeine affects the ability to become pregnant or the time to conception. However, excessive intake (300 mg or more) has been linked to higher miscarriage rates.
Caffeine and Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, your body metabolizes caffeine slower than non-pregnant women. Caffeine may also increase nausea and dizziness during a pregnancy. Caffeine can also contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure) and tachycardia (a sped up heart rate). This occurs when caffeine crosses the placenta and can increase catecholamines (a neurohormone important in stress responses), potentially raising your blood pressure and heart rate.
Recommendations
People always want to know what they can or should do to limit the impact caffeine can have as they try to conceive or are pregnant without having to give up their morning cup of coffee to get the day started. It is recommended that you do not exceed 200mg of caffeine per day to mitigate the chance of complications.
Below are a few common drinks caffeine content to help you decide what you should or should not have:
Drip Coffee: 95 mg per 8 oz
Starbucks Pike's Place: 235 mg for a tall coffee (12 oz)
Espresso: 63-75 mg per shot
Latte/ Cappuccino/ Americano: 75 mg for a tall or 12 oz coffee
Cold Brew: 200mg for a tall or 12 oz coffee
Decaf Coffee: 2-5 mg per 8 oz
Starbucks Earl Grey Tea: 40 mg
Green Tea: 55 mg per 12 oz
Conclusion
Balancing your caffeine intake is important while trying to conceive and during pregnancy. You can enjoy your coffee in moderation, adhere to the recommended limits, and always consult with your healthcare team if you have any concerns.
If you are interested in learning more about the impact coffee and caffeine can have or want to become a Grain Fertility member to get a more comprehensive version of this resource, you can sign up here or, if you are a member using our free version, go to Your Account to upgrade your service today!
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