Does Caffeine Affect Fertility?

Some studies have shown that caffeine may affect a woman's ability to conceive. However, other studies have shown no difference in how a woman a conceives when she consumes caffeine. While the debate rages on in the medical community most experts do agree that women who are trying to conceive should keep their daily caffeine intake to less than 300 milligrams each day. This amount seems to not have much of an effect on most women's ability to successfully get pregnant.

Cutting Back on Caffeine

Getting less caffeine means more than skipping that second cup of coffee because caffeine is present in more things that we consume. It is important to be aware that caffeine is present in more than just coffee and to slowly cut your intake because a sudden cut may make you a bit miserable at first.

Avoiding Caffeine Withdrawal

If you regularly get plenty of caffeine, there is a chance that suddenly cutting back will cause some withdrawal symptoms. These can include headaches and fatigue. You can start out by cutting the caf in half. Instead of jumping straight to caffeine-free products, do half caffeine-free and half caffeinated products. Just mix them together. You can also brew your caffeinated beverages for a shorter time or brewing them weaker. If caffeinated tea is your passion, only steep your tea bag for a minute instead of several. This can cut your caffeine in half.

Knowing Your Caffeine Sources

You already know about coffee. However, different coffees have different amounts of caffeine. How coffee is brewed also makes a difference. You can also just drink out of a smaller cup to help cut your caffeine intake without really thinking about it.

There are other sources of caffeine too that many people do not think about. These include many teas, energy drinks, coffee ice cream, hot chocolate, soft drinks and chocolate. Many over-the-counter medications, such as cold, headache and allergy remedies also contain caffeine so be sure to check the labels well to look for caffeine content. Some herbal products also contain caffeine.

If you want to drink a soft drink, go for the clear kind because these tend to not have any caffeine in them. Still check the label to be sure, but nine times out of ten, clear soft drinks do not contain caffeine.

Also watch decaffeinated black tea because while it says decaffeinated, it still contains two milligrams on average per eight ounce serving. Sometimes decaf does not mean 100 percent free of caffeine so be sure to check the label well before you consume.

Resources

March of Dimes: Caffeine in Pregnancy