Being told to just “relax and let it happen” is something you may have been (annoyingly) greeted with while discussing frustrations with fertility and conception.
Stress can affect conception and pregnancy in undesired ways. Too much anxiety can make it difficult to conceive. Thankfully, there are ways to help keep stress at bay, allowing you to experience joy throughout the process of growing your family.
Stress Can Have a Negative Impact on Conception
No matter what phase of the journey to parenthood you’re in, stress can have a negative impact on your health. The process of conception impacts you, both mentally and physically.
For many, unexpected emotions may arise during this process. It’s not uncommon to feel incompetent, inadequate, or even confused as to why you’re not conceiving as quickly as you expected.
You’re not broken – You’re not cursed – Your body is doing its best.
It’s essential to remember that your body is not your enemy, nor is your body punishing you. Conception is a process and trusting this process will allow you to relax and take each moment as it comes.
Several scientific studies show that high levels of stress while trying to conceive can lower your chances of becoming pregnant. Changes in your body in response to stress begin long before you even notice them. Hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, begin to take over at the first signs of stress. These hormones cause your blood pressure and heart rate to rise.
While acute stress is something to expect, long-term stress can increase your risk of chronic health problems. This includes difficulty conceiving and carrying a healthy pregnancy to term. Taking simple steps to relax and enjoy the process of trying to get pregnant can help both you and your baby.
#1: Adopt a Stress-Free Mindset
Stress is a normal feeling, so smaller amounts of stress will not alter ovulation. But constant high levels of stress may reduce your chances of becoming pregnant.
Significant life events, such as the death of a loved one or chronic depression, can cause long-term stress that affects your ability to conceive. Thus, it’s vital to try to take steps to lower stress levels, making conception and pregnancy much more achievable.
Here are a few easy ways to reduce stress throughout each day:
- Keep a routine
- Stay optimistic
- Connect with friends regularly
- Stay aware of your emotions
- Accept help from others
- Take time to yourself
#2: Learn to Keep your Emotions Balanced
Our bodies rely on balance to work properly, but sometimes our feelings can get in the way. It’s essential to learn how to manage triggers that may cause emotional imbalances.
Anytime you’re feeling uneasy, you should take time to stop and think, “Why do I feel like this?”
This forces you to slow down in the moment and really listen to what your body is saying. Learn to understand why certain things trigger unpleasant feelings. This way, you can begin to take steps toward handling these emotions in a positive way.
#3: Focus on your Mental Health
Taking care of your mental health is important in every stage of life. Adopting a positive outlook may not be easy, but even the most minor changes can help reduce stress while trying to conceive.
Take a quick walk or get outside in the fresh air. Focus on scheduling time in your day to enjoy the sunlight.
Meditation can also go a long way. Taking time to meditate allows your body to release stressors. Pairing meditation exercises with simple exercise routines, like yoga, is a healthy way to support both your physical and mental health while trying to conceive.
Therapy is a great tool for making sure you are mentally prepared for the challenges of pregnancy and parenthood. With virtual therapy becoming more accessible, it’s easier than ever to find a specialized professional experienced in preconception and pregnancy-related stress.
#4: Uncover Potential Fertility Issues
Take time to learn about fertility issues! Stress partially comes from the fear of the unknown and uncertainty. Identifying challenges that you may have to overcome will help prepare you for the road ahead.
By talking to your doctor, you may find underlying medical conditions making your efforts feel insignificant. A medical professional can help you with any underlying barriers or even provide you with customized stress relief tactics. For more information, read Finding a Fertility Clinic.
#5: Find Resources to Support you
Fertility classes and workshops can also be a significant source of information. Local resources can be found by talking to your healthcare provider or the local hospital’s Labor and Delivery unit.
Face-to-face guidance isn’t for everyone. Virtual support is also an option for those who would prefer it. You should never feel alone in this journey, which is why we believe in bringing you reliable, accessible resources throughout every stage of the process.
Conceiving can be stressful, but it shouldn’t be. You should be able to enjoy this special time and the excitement that growing your family brings. You may be faced with obstacles you can’t control. While these uncertainties can lead to many emotions, reducing your stress while trying to conceive can help you cherish this experience, even through the hardships.