The possible risks of tea and coffee
Both tea and coffee contain caffeine, which has been shown to cause certain negative effects
Affects your fertility
Too much caffeine can cause spasms in blood vessels in the uterine walls. These spasms can stop eggs embedding in the wall, leading to fertility.
Some experts recommend cutting out tea and coffee altogether if you are trying to conceive, while official guidelines are to stick to 300mg of caffeine a day - that's about 3-4 cups of brewed coffee.
- More tips on eating to get pregnant
Increases stress
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and this leads to changing moods - they will soar and then plummet. Long-term, if you are a regular heavy tea or coffee drinker, this has been shown to increase stress levels.
Increases chance of miscarriage
Women who are pregnant are warned that too much caffeine can increase the chance of miscarriage. As with women trying to conceive, pregnant woman are advised to have no more than 300mg of caffeine a day: 3-4 cups of brewed coffee.
A rise in blood pressure
Caffeine produces a rise in blood pressure. So far, this has only been shown to have a short-term effect and there has been no evidence linked to long-term problems.
However, if you regular suffer with high blood pressure, then experts advise that you avoid caffeine, because of the regular increases in blood pressure.
Stops you sleeping
Because caffeine makes you more alert, this can have an effect on sleep. Experts recommend avoiding drinking tea and coffee at least 3-4 hours before going to bed.
- Read more on insomnia
- Help and info on sleep problems
- The health benefits of tea
- The health benefits of coffee
By Rob Mansfield
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