According to the International Food Information Council Foundation, some studies have suggested that high levels of caffeine intake may actually extend the time it takes to conceive. However, when other lifestyle variables (smoking, for example) are considered, these findings are inconclusive. More recent research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Harvard Medical School and the University of California at Berkeley show that moderate caffeine consumption does not reduce a woman's chance of becoming pregnant.

During pregnancy, however, studies have shown that caffeine may cause a miscarriage or could slow the growth of your developing baby if you consume more than 300 mg (an amount equal to three cups of coffee) per day. If you have concerns about your caffeine intake, be sure to talk to your caregiver.

Alcohol
If there is any one beverage type to avoid while trying to conceive, alcohol - in any of its forms - is it. Why? First, birth defects associated with prenatal alcohol exposure can occur in the first 3 to 8 weeks of pregnancy, before you even know if you are pregnant, according to the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. And although early pregnancy is a particularly vulnerable time, damage to your baby can occur throughout pregnancy as a result of continued alcohol exposure as organ systems grow to maturity.

Furthermore, if you are trying to achieve pregnancy, beer, wine and other spirits may hamper your efforts. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says that women who drink alcohol may have a harder time getting pregnant.

Smart For You, Smart For Baby
Without a doubt, the human body is an incredible thing. The things you eat recombine in an amazing way to create a precious new life. Making wise, informed decisions about your food and drink now - even before conception - will benefit both you and your baby for the long term.

About the author: Nancy Price is the co-founder and co-editor of SheKnows.com and several other sites. She has also served as the editor-in-chief of two national print magazines, and is an Executive Editor of Cooking Smart magazine. She is also the author of The Art Of Belly Painting: Everything You Need To Make Your Pregnancy A Masterpiece (Chamberlain Bros., Feb. 2005). Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she now lives in Arizona. Contact Nancy at her first name @coincide.com. Copyright © Nancy J Price.

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