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The Impact of Stress on Fertility

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

You and your partner have been trying for a baby for a number of months now, and you may be starting to feel somewhat anxious. Don’t worry! Keeping a relaxed and stress-free temperament is possibly the best thing you and your partner can do right now.

Contents

Have a positive mindset
Love yourself and your body
Talk to your partner
Watch your weight
Exercise to minimize stress
Try therapy or a support group

Stressed women probably have sex less often, research says. And they could have a tendency to smoke or drink too much alcohol or caffeine, which affect their conception chances even more.

Here are some things you can do to keep the stress levels down

Have a positive mindset

It’s easy to become discouraged after trying to get pregnant. Negative thoughts start popping into your head, like "I’ll never get pregnant,” or “This is all my fault.”

Try to develop a positive outlook by telling yourself positive things and thinking positive, encouraging thoughts every day to help reframe your feelings. Learn to challenge and banish automatic negative thoughts.

Love yourself and your body

After a long unsuccessful period of trying for a baby, it is normal to feel frustrated and angry at your body, as you feel it is letting you down. But it is critical to keep taking care of yourself so that you are in the best physical shape you can be.

Make sure you maintain a healthy diet. When you’re stressed, it’s tempting to reach for processed, sugary foods. But women who follow a nutritious diet rich in whole grains, omega-3 fatty acids, fish, and soy are more likely to conceive than women who eat a high-fat, heavily processed diet.

Talk to your partner

Your partner is one of the few people around you who knows exactly what you are going through. He is your main partner in this whole journey. So don’t make him feel excluded or take out your frustrations on him. Let him into your emotional state of mind so that he can give you the support you need. It’s likely that he’s feeling the same frustration too. Both of you are the best people to support each other, to talk and to listen to each other about your shared struggles. This can help greatly in easing the mental and emotional toll from this experience.

Watch your weight

Excess weight is a major hindrance when it comes to a successful conception, so keep monitoring your weight. Women who are obese may be twice as likely than other women to have trouble conceiving. One major fallout of stress is a tendency to overeat for emotional comfort. Try to counter this by keeping minimal junk foods in the house. When you have a craving, reach for a piece or fruit or some dark chocolate instead of fried or sweet foods.

Exercise to minimize stress

Physical exercise is proven to lower stress levels. So make sure you include regular physical activity in your daily routine. A brisk walk in the park will cheer you up with the sights and sounds of nature as well as getting your heartrate going at a healthy pace. A dance class or yoga session can be a good way to bond with friends while keeping you fit. Choose something you enjoy and make sure you stick with it.

Try therapy or a support group

It’s hard doing it all on your own. That’s why there’s no harm in seeking professional help if you feel you really need it. Research shows that tackling stress with strategies such as group therapy, individual cognitive behaviour therapy, and relaxation techniques genuinely help women trying to get pregnant.

A positive outlook coupled with a healthy body can work wonders. Keep your spirits up and work together with your partner to create an encouraging environment for yourselves!

Explore More Articles on Fertility

Causes of Infertility in Men & Women

Top Tips to Maximize Your Chances of Fertility

Ovulation and Your Fertility Window

Impact of Sleep on Fertility

Sperm Health & Fertility: Everything You Need to Know

The Impact of Stress on Fertility

How Do You Get Pregnant?

Lifestyle Choices & Infertility: What You should Know

Exercise & Fertility: Is There a Link?

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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