Having a biological child is filled with countless moments of pride and jubilation. However, the path to conception can be a challenging one for many parents-to-be. Millions of couples around the globe struggle to pregnant, indicating that they have fertility issues. While infertility can be due to various reasons, you’ll be surprised to learn that stress is one of the biggest factors. Since you’re eager to start a family, you must know how to managing stress during conception.

That’s what today’s blog is about. I’ll tell you why it’s important to manage stress during pregnancy and how you can relieve stress.

Stress and Fertility Connection

We all know that going through fertility treatments can cause severe stress, depression, and anxiety. But is stress making you more infertile?

Studies have revealed that there can be a stress impact on ovulation. This happens because when you are under stress, the hormone balance in your body is disrupted. As the body releases cortisol (the stress hormone) when you are stressed, it can interfere with sperm production. In females, high levels of stress impact the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Then it gets tricky to predict the fertility window when you should have intercourse. So, the chances of conception become low.

Even after one gets pregnant, regulating stress is important as chronic stress enhances the risk of preterm labor and other pregnancy complications like delivering a baby with low birth weight.

Ways to Manage Stress During Pregnancy

Everyone tells would-be-moms to eat well when planning their motherhood adventure. However, your mental health matters as much as your physical well-being. So, here are some stress reduction tips for trying to conceive:

1. Get active

Regular exercise can help calm your agitated nerves as when we exercise, endorphins are released. You can choose any form of exercise like jogging, yoga for fertility health, dancing, swimming, etc. Just aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.

Note: If you are undergoing IVF or some other fertility treatment, consult your fertility specialist before exercising.

2. Focus on your breath

Deep breathing exercise is among the relaxation techniques for conception. Meditation for fertility regularly is again among the healthy habits to reduce stress. You can start doing that today by sitting in a quiet place and playing some soothing music on your phone. Inhale and exhale deeply, mimicking the body’s breathing pattern when you sleep. This will send powerful signals to your brain to stay carefree.

3. Reduce stress through diet

For anybody dreaming of getting pregnant, consuming well-balanced meals is a must. When you eat nutrient-rich foods, the likelihood of a successful conception will increase dramatically.

Another reason why you should keep yourself well-fed is to reduce levels of stress. Research shows that foods high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber can keep stress at bay. Additionally, limit the intake of starch, sugar, and caffeine as they negatively affect stress and pregnancy.

4. Prioritize sleep

What’s the easiest way to deal with any problem in life – sleeping. When you sleep, your body and mind heal. So, if you stress often, scrolling on Instagram won’t do you any good. Instead, put your phone aside and sleep 8-9 hours at night.

When you sleep, your body will naturally recover from physical and mental stressors. Getting adequate sleep at night also increases the fertility levels. That’s why fertility experts always advise would-be-moms to keep up with a sleep hygiene. It means establishing a proper sleep schedule and following it with discipline. If you have trouble sleeping, stay away from electronics when it’s bedtime.

5. Create a support network

Pregnancy is a unique experience and nobody else will understand what you’re going through. If you have opted for some Assisted Reproductive Technology, it’s important to surround yourself with women who are walking the same path. This way, when you feel overwhelmed or you’re in a weak emotional state, you can talk to them. Getting emotional support while trying to conceive will truly help you manage stress during fertility treatment.

6. Enjoy a hobby

When it comes to managing your stress during pregnancy, there are many ways other than eating healthy foods. To calm your mind, doing things that bring you joy is very important. It could be anything like reading a crime thriller, watching romantic movies, painting, or baking cookies. You should also spend quality time with your spouse for optimal emotional health.

To Sum Up

Lastly, it is normal to feel stressed occasionally if implantation doesn’t take place despite multiple attempts. However, you cannot overlook acute stress, depression and anxiety as now you know their adverse effects on your pregnancy journey.

With simple lifestyle changes to improve fertility, you can go a long way. If the above-mentioned stress-relieving techniques fail to improve your mood, visit your healthcare provider.

You can get in touch with Ritu IVF as we are a reputed fertility treatment center in Jaipur and we also provide counseling for fertility stress.