Question: I really enjoy my coffee and usually drink about five cups a day. I’m starting to worry that my caffeine habit might impact my chances of getting pregnant. What’s a safe amount of caffeine for someone trying to conceive?
Answer: Good news! If you’re trying to conceive, moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered acceptable. Most guidelines suggest that women should limit their caffeine intake to about three cups of coffee per day, which is roughly 300 mg of caffeine (according to the Organization of Teratology Information Services). Large studies haven’t found any negative effects of this moderate caffeine intake on fertility (International Food Information Council, August 2002).
Interestingly, caffeine doesn’t seem to affect male fertility either, so if your partner is a coffee drinker, there’s no need to worry on that front. While there’s been some debate about caffeine’s effects during pregnancy, the consensus is that if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should stick to less than 1.5 cups a day (or 150 mg of caffeine). This amount is unlikely to increase the risk of miscarriage or low birth weight, according to OTIS and Motherisk. The American Academy of Pediatrics also notes that having one cup of coffee daily is generally safe for nursing infants.
For deeper insights into how caffeine affects fertility, you can check out this detailed resource on the National Toxicology Program. Plus, if you’re curious about at-home insemination, you might find our other blog post on first attempts at home insemination quite helpful. And for those considering artificial insemination kits, Make a Mom offers a great selection.
In summary, while enjoying your coffee can be part of your routine, keeping your intake moderate is key when trying to conceive.