<p>Most couples trying to conceive for the first time are keenly aware of the physical changes needed to increase the likelihood of pregnancy, but are unclear about the impact that habits such as drinking coffee may have on conception. Many people still question whether it is safe to drink coffee while attempting to conceive and whether it can affect their chances of conceiving the baby they desire. The reality is that while drinking coffee while trying to conceive could be potentially harmful, with careful moderation, couples can still reduce their risks of infertility while continuing to enjoy their morning cup.</p>
<p>Caffeine is a stimulant found naturally occurring in coffee, tea, cacao and certain other plants, but it may also be present in a variety of foods, drinks, and even medications. Caffeine is known to have benefits on alertness and mental health, but there are potential dangers associated with its consumption when trying to conceive. Larger doses, particularly combined with higher levels of stress, can cause an increase of hormones associated with ovulation. Studies have demonstrated that this can lead to difficulty in conceiving or even miscarriage.</p>
<p>Most experts agree that daily caffeine intake is safe for women attempting to conceive in moderation. The consensus among the medical community is that a safe limit is between 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine daily. This means approximately two 8 oz. cups of coffee brewed with traditional coffee beans, or three cups made with instant coffee. Many other types of drinks, such as sodas and energy drinks, can contain excessive amounts of caffeine, so it is recommended that these beverages be avoided altogether.</p>
<p>Furthermore, even moderate levels of caffeine can reduce sperm quality and motility. Caffeine is thought to interfere with the sperm’s ability to fertilize the egg by slowing down its motility and lowering its vitality. This is especially true if a man drinks more than a single cup of coffee a day. A decrease in semen quality can consequently lead to difficulty for a woman in conceiving, regardless of her intake of caffeine. </p>
<p>It is advised that couples who are trying to conceive assess the benefits and risks associated with caffeine and make a decision that is appropriate for them. For example, if a woman is already in her fertile window, then it may be best for her to avoid caffeine altogether. Alternatively, if a couple is just starting to try to conceive and want to maintain caffeine consumption, it is best to moderate their intake to the levels previously mentioned and keep an eye on their lifestyle and diet.</p>
<h2>Living a Healthy Lifestyle</h2>
<p>In addition to moderating caffeine consumption, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle while trying to conceive. This means eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and managing levels of stress as best as possible. In addition, it is important to track ovulation, as this is the time that fertility is highest. Finally, staying away from certain activities, including alcohol consumption and smoking, can also increase the probability of a successful conception.</p>
<h2>Supplements and Vitamins</h2>
<p>Nutritional supplements are an important part of a healthy lifestyle while trying to conceive. There are many vitamins and minerals that can help the body stay healthy and increase the chances of conception, such as vitamin C, zinc, and folic acid. Additionally, there are many herbal supplements that are thought to increase fertility and improve hormone regulation, such as maca root and chasteberry. Taking a prenatal vitamin may also help ensure that your body has the essential nutrients it needs to conceive.</p>
<h2>Talking to a Doctor</h2>
<p>If you are having difficulty in conceiving a baby, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can provide further information about what dietary and supplement changes could help improve fertility or other potential underlying issues that could be affecting your chance of getting pregnant. Make sure to provide your doctor with as much information as possible regarding your medical history, lifestyle, and any other issues that could affect fertility.</p>
<h2>When to Seek Medical Help</h2>
<p>If you are over 35, it is recommended that you seek medical help after trying to conceive for 6 months without success. If you are younger than 35, it is recommended that you wait 12 months before seeing a doctor. This helps rule out any issues that could be affecting your fertility and puts you in a better position to start receiving medical help. Some doctors may even recommend a course of fertility treatments or lifestyle changes that could help improve your chances of getting pregnant.</p>
<p>Caffeine is a stimulant found naturally occurring in coffee, tea, cacao and certain other plants, but it may also be present in a variety of foods, drinks, and even medications. Caffeine is known to have benefits on alertness and mental health, but there are potential dangers associated with its consumption when trying to conceive. Larger doses, particularly combined with higher levels of stress, can cause an increase of hormones associated with ovulation. Studies have demonstrated that this can lead to difficulty in conceiving or even miscarriage.</p>
<p>Most experts agree that daily caffeine intake is safe for women attempting to conceive in moderation. The consensus among the medical community is that a safe limit is between 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine daily. This means approximately two 8 oz. cups of coffee brewed with traditional coffee beans, or three cups made with instant coffee. Many other types of drinks, such as sodas and energy drinks, can contain excessive amounts of caffeine, so it is recommended that these beverages be avoided altogether.</p>
<p>Furthermore, even moderate levels of caffeine can reduce sperm quality and motility. Caffeine is thought to interfere with the sperm’s ability to fertilize the egg by slowing down its motility and lowering its vitality. This is especially true if a man drinks more than a single cup of coffee a day. A decrease in semen quality can consequently lead to difficulty for a woman in conceiving, regardless of her intake of caffeine. </p>
<p>It is advised that couples who are trying to conceive assess the benefits and risks associated with caffeine and make a decision that is appropriate for them. For example, if a woman is already in her fertile window, then it may be best for her to avoid caffeine altogether. Alternatively, if a couple is just starting to try to conceive and want to maintain caffeine consumption, it is best to moderate their intake to the levels previously mentioned and keep an eye on their lifestyle and diet.</p>
<h2>Living a Healthy Lifestyle</h2>
<p>In addition to moderating caffeine consumption, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle while trying to conceive. This means eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and managing levels of stress as best as possible. In addition, it is important to track ovulation, as this is the time that fertility is highest. Finally, staying away from certain activities, including alcohol consumption and smoking, can also increase the probability of a successful conception.</p>
<h2>Supplements and Vitamins</h2>
<p>Nutritional supplements are an important part of a healthy lifestyle while trying to conceive. There are many vitamins and minerals that can help the body stay healthy and increase the chances of conception, such as vitamin C, zinc, and folic acid. Additionally, there are many herbal supplements that are thought to increase fertility and improve hormone regulation, such as maca root and chasteberry. Taking a prenatal vitamin may also help ensure that your body has the essential nutrients it needs to conceive.</p>
<h2>Talking to a Doctor</h2>
<p>If you are having difficulty in conceiving a baby, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can provide further information about what dietary and supplement changes could help improve fertility or other potential underlying issues that could be affecting your chance of getting pregnant. Make sure to provide your doctor with as much information as possible regarding your medical history, lifestyle, and any other issues that could affect fertility.</p>
<h2>When to Seek Medical Help</h2>
<p>If you are over 35, it is recommended that you seek medical help after trying to conceive for 6 months without success. If you are younger than 35, it is recommended that you wait 12 months before seeing a doctor. This helps rule out any issues that could be affecting your fertility and puts you in a better position to start receiving medical help. Some doctors may even recommend a course of fertility treatments or lifestyle changes that could help improve your chances of getting pregnant.</p>
