Benefits of Drinking Coffee when Trying to Conceive
The question of whether you should drink coffee when trying to conceive is one that is often debated. In recent years, more research has been conducted on the effects of coffee intake when trying to get pregnant. Although the scientific evidence is not unequivocal, some studies suggest that coffee can benefit women who are trying to conceive.
The most significant benefit of coffee intake when trying to conceive is the potential to reduce the risk of miscarriage. A meta-analysis of observational studies published in 2018 looked at data from over 2000 women who had experienced spontaneous miscarriages. The results showed that women who drank two or more cups of coffee per day had a 53% lower risk of miscarriage than women who did not drink coffee. Researchers believe this is because caffiene acts as a stimulant, increasing blood flow throughout the body, including to the uterus, which helps to improve embryo implantation.
Coffee can also help to improve fertility in other ways, by improving egg quality, reducing inflammation and preventing the formation of blood clots that can block the fallopian tubes. Research has also found that coffee can help to improve the timing of ovulation, which is important for conception.
Furthermore, drinking coffee can also reduce stress, which can be beneficial when trying to conceive. Stress is known to reduce fertility and interfere with the production of hormones which regulate the menstrual cycle. Therefore, introducing coffee to your diet can help to combat stress and make it easier to conceive.
Side Effects of Drinking Coffee when Trying to Conceive
Although there are some potential benefits of drinking coffee when trying to conceive, it is important to be aware of the side effects that come with drinking caffeine, as high levels of caffeine can have a negative effect on fertility and pregnancy.
Drinking too much caffeine can disrupt the menstrual cycle, increase the risk of a miscarriage and lead to infertility. Several studies have suggested that drinking more than 300mg of caffeine per day can increase the risk of miscarriage by up to 70%. This is because caffeine is known to increase levels of stress hormones, which can interfere with conception, as well as increase heart rate, which can also be damaging to embryos.
Caffeine can also reduce the quality of uterine lining and make it harder for an embryo to implant. In addition, caffeine can also reduce the absorption of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are important for conception and early foetal development.
Recommended limits for Coffee Intake when Trying to Conceive
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that pregnant women consume no more than 200mg of caffeine per day. However, women who are trying to conceive should aim to keep their intake significantly lower. For example, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) recommends that women trying to conceive “consider reducing their daily caffeine intake to 100mg per day”.
It is important to remember that caffeine is present in more than just coffee. Therefore, when trying to conceive, it is essential to pay close attention to the amount of caffeine you are consuming from other sources, such as tea, chocolate, soft drinks and energy drinks.
Alternatives to Coffee when Trying to Conceive
For those who wish to reduce their caffeine intake when trying to conceive, there are plenty of alternatives. Decaffeinated coffee is a good option, as it has significantly lower levels of caffeine than regular coffee. It is important to remember, however, that not all decaffeinated coffees are completely caffeine free, so it is important to check the label.
Herbal teas are also great alternatives to coffee when trying to conceive. These teas are full of antioxidants and minerals that can help to promote fertility and support conception. They are also caffeine free, making them a great choice.
Finally, smoothies, juices and milkshakes are also great alternatives to coffee when trying to conceive. These drinks are full of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are essential for conception and early foetal development.
Other Things to Consider when Trying to Conceive
When trying to conceive, there are several other things to consider. Firstly, it is important to eat a healthy and balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Eating a healthy diet can help to promote fertility and make it easier to conceive.
It is also important to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can reduce fertility and make it harder to conceive, particularly in women. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight when trying to conceive is essential.
Finally, alcohol consumption should also be limited when trying to conceive. High levels of alcohol consumption can impair fertility and reduce the chances of having a successful pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended to limit alcohol intake to one or two drinks per week when trying to conceive.
Benefits of Maintaining an Active Lifestyle when Trying to Conceive
Exercising regularly is important for maintaining fertility and helping to make it easier to conceive. Exercise can help to regulate hormones and improve blood flow, both of which are important for conception. Regular exercise can also reduce stress, which can interfere with conception. In addition, it is important that exercise be accompanied by a healthy diet, as this will provide the body with the nutrients it needs to promote fertility and support conception.
It is worth noting that exercising constantly can do more harm than good, as it can disrupt hormones and impair fertility. Therefore, when it comes to exercise and trying to conceive, moderate amounts are recommended.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coffee can be beneficial for women who are trying to conceive. It can reduce the risk of miscarriage and improve fertility, particularly when consumed in moderation. However, it is important to remember that high levels of caffeine can be damaging to fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, it is important to limit caffeine intake when trying to conceive. There are also plenty of alternatives to coffee, such as decaffeinated coffee, herbal teas, smoothies, juices and milkshakes that can be just as beneficial. Finally, it is important to maintain an active lifestyle and a healthy diet when trying to conceive, as this will help to promote fertility and reduce stress.
