How Does Drinking Coffee Affect Pregnancy and Fertility?
Currently, drinking coffee is extremely popular, especially among working adults who often enjoy coffee in the morning. Coffee contains caffeine, a chemical in the xanthine group that stimulates the brain, helping people feel more alert and less sleepy. The effects of caffeine usually last about 3–6 hours depending on the strength of the coffee. This is why coffee is widely consumed by students and working adults, especially office workers, because the feeling of alertness can help improve study and work performance.
Does Caffeine Really Affect Pregnancy?
Many people planning for pregnancy wonder whether coffee has harmful effects. Research published in 1993 by Grodstein showed that high caffeine consumption was significantly associated with reduced fertility in women. This finding caused concern among coffee-loving women who are planning to conceive, especially in regions like Europe and the United States where coffee drinking is common.
The Bottom Line: You Can Drink Coffee But in Moderation
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pregnant women should limit caffeine intake to no more than 200–300 mg per day. This means drinking 1–2 cups per day should not negatively affect fertility or the ability to get pregnant. Additionally, since 2008 the Food Safety Authority (FSA) has recommended that women planning pregnancy or who are pregnant should consume no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day. Therefore, it is best to stay below this amount.
For people trying to conceive or planning for pregnancy, it’s recommended to reduce coffee consumption, because caffeine may contribute to infertility. Data from a study in Massachusetts, USA, collected from 2007–2013 showed that men who regularly consumed about 265 mg of caffeine per day had an increased risk of infertility due to lower sperm output. Women who drank coffee daily were found to have a 25% reduction in the chance of pregnancy. Drinking more than 2 cups per day was also linked to higher risk of miscarriage compared to women who did not drink coffee.
Caffeine is not only found in coffee, but also in tea, green tea, cola, energy drinks, and chocolate.
If you keep your total caffeine intake under 200 mg per day, you generally don’t need to worry about fertility or pregnancy issues. However, remember to count caffeine from all sources you consume
.
Approximate Caffeine Content in Common Drinks and Foods
Here are estimates of caffeine amounts in various beverages and foods (helps to keep track of your intake)
Coffee
- Brewed coffee (237 mL): ~95–165 mg
- Decaf brewed coffee (237 mL): ~2–5 mg
- Instant coffee (237 mL): ~63 mg
- Decaf instant coffee (237 mL): ~2 mg
- Latte or mocha (237 mL): ~63–126 mg
- Espresso (30 mL): ~47–64 mg
Tea
- Brewed tea (237 mL): ~48 mg
- Instant tea (237 mL): ~26–36 mg
- Green tea (177 mL): ~40 mg
- Black tea (177 mL): ~45 mg
Chocolate & Cocoa
- Hot cocoa (355 mL): ~8–12 mg
- Chocolate milk (237 mL): ~5–8 mg
- Regular chocolate (50 g): ~25 mg
- Dark chocolate (41 g): ~30 mg
- Milk chocolate (44 g): ~11 mg
- Sweetened chocolate (¼ cup): ~26–28 mg
- Chocolate syrup (1 Tbsp): ~3 mg
Other Drinks
- Coffee-flavored ice cream or yogurt (½ cup): ~2 mg
- Soda (355 mL): ~37 mg
- Energy drink (250 mL): ~80 mg
Possible Negative Effects of Caffeine
When consumed in excess, caffeine may lead to several potential issues, especially during pregnancy
1. Low Birth Weight Too much caffeine has been associated with increased risk of low birth weight in newborns.
2. Birth Defects and Preterm Birth Some animal studies suggest links between high caffeine intake and various developmental problems, though human studies are inconclusive.
3. Increased Risk of Miscarriage Some research indicates that higher caffeine intake may affect blood flow in the placenta and could increase miscarriage risk.
4. Bone Health Caffeine may contribute to calcium loss, potentially weakening bone mass a concern during pregnancy when calcium needs are higher.
5. Sleep Quality Caffeine stimulates the brain and muscles, which can interfere with sleep quality, leading to poor rest.
However, controlled and moderate caffeine intake within recommended limits is generally considered safe.
Reference:
Deep & Harmonicare IVF Clinic How Does Drinking Coffee Affect Pregnancy and Fertility?
Deep & Harmonicare IVF Clinic
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