Hidden Benefits of Coffee During the Two Week Wait
Coffee is a beloved beverage for many people. Over 500 billion cups of coffee are consumed in the world each year. It’s a popular part of the morning ritual for millions of people, but not always the best choice for women who are trying to conceive.
The so-called two-week wait is the period of time after ovulation and before a woman’s period is due. The area between ovulation and menstruation is a delicate time in which a woman may be trying to increase her chances of a successful pregnancy.
But can you drink coffee during the two week wait? The answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider when it comes to the amount of caffeine intake.
Too Much Caffeine
Caffeine in moderation is not harmful, but an excessive amount can interfere with your menstrual cycle. Research shows that consuming more than 500 milligrams of caffeine per day (the equivalent to three to five cups of coffee) can cause luteal phase defect, which can make it difficult to conceive.
However, many experts recommend that women limit their caffeine consumption to less than 300 milligrams per day, as any amount more than that can adversely effect your fertility, especially when trying to conceive.
What About Decaf Coffee?
Decaf coffee can be a good choice during the two-week wait. While some research has shown that decaf can still contain small amounts of caffeine, it is much lower than the caffeine levels found in regular coffee.
In addition, decaf coffee is a good source of antioxidants, which may help to support your overall health and fertility. Antioxidants are believed to reduce inflammation, provide immunity and improve egg quality.
The Benefits of Drinking Coffee
Coffee has been linked to many health benefits. Studies have shown that it can reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood and provide an energy boost.
Additionally, coffee has been linked to a decrease in the risk of certain types of cancer. Drinking coffee is also a source of important nutrients, such as vitamin B2, vitamin B5 and manganese.
Coffee and Conception
Research has shown that coffee does not affect fertility in women when it comes to conception. One study found that there was no difference in the average time to conception between women who consumed coffee and those who did not.
Furthermore, one study showed that coffee intake up to 400 milligrams per day is not associated with an increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.
The Bottom Line
While coffee may be a beneficial beverage choice, it’s important to consider how much caffeine you consume when trying to conceive. It’s recommended to limit your intake to less than 300 milligrams per day and to consider decaf options.
Take Precautions For A Healthy Pregnancy
Although research suggests that coffee may not affect fertility or gestation, it’s important to be mindful of other habits that could influence your fertility.
A balanced diet that is rich in antioxidants is essential. Foods high in antioxidants like fruits, veggies, legumes and whole grains can help to improve egg and sperm quality and ultimately increase fertility.
In addition to a nutritious diet, it’s also recommended to minimize stress. Stress has been shown to reduce conception rates and increase the risk of miscarriage.
Yoga, meditation and other relaxation techniques can be helpful in managing stress levels and increasing overall health.
Get Moving
Physical activity is an important part of any healthy lifestyle, especially when trying to conceive. Regular exercise strengthens your cardiovascular system, which can lead to improved fertility.
It’s recommended to engage in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, yoga and cycling can be beneficial during this time.
Look At Analytical Data
Analytical data can give women an indication of how their body is responding to different lifestyle changes. Tools such as body temperature tracking, ovulation tracking, and cervical mucus tracking apps can be beneficial when you’re trying to conceive.
Tracking body basal temperature is often used to determine when ovulation has occurred, which can be beneficial when you’re trying to conceive.
Supplement Your Lifestyle
In addition to a healthy diet and physical activity, supplementing your lifestyle with prenatal vitamins can be beneficial. Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated to provide your body with the nutrients it needs during pregnancy.
Necessary vitamins and nutrients in these supplements may include folic acid, iron, vitamin D, and calcium. It’s important to talk to your doctor before beginning any vitamin supplementation.
