It’s not always easy to “just relax and let it happen.”
Our minds and bodies can be negatively affected by stress and believe it or not, so can the chances of becoming pregnant. We live in a fast-paced society, driven by technology that always has us on the go. It’s quite easy to become stressed, anxious or tense.
Chronic stress can trigger a change in the brain and change the hormone triggers for ovulation. According to fertility educator Tony Weschler, stress can alter the functioning of the hypothalamus – the gland in the brain that regulates your appetite, emotions and the hormones that tell your ovaries to release eggs. This can stall ovulation and you may miss your opportunity to conceive during that time frame.
It's important to remember that stress doesn’t just affect women who are trying to have a baby. Excessive stress can also cause lower sperm counts.
Stress can mess up your sex life more than you think. Stressed couples tend to have sex less frequently and are more likely to drink alcohol and smoke – both of which can reduce the chances of conception.
Reducing stress and anxiety can improve hormone levels and lifestyle factors to support fertility and conception. Certain tactics can help reset the endocrine system, aid in hormonal balance, support a healthy immune system and bring peace and vitality to the journey of parenthood.
Here are some things you can do to overcome stress when you’re trying to become pregnant:
- Get enough sleep
- Meditate
- Practice yoga
- Exercise
- Seek counseling
- Acupuncture
- Read
- Try journaling
- Take warm baths
Stress can do a number of things to a man or women and interfere with your plans of conception. Lovelace Labor of Love offers support accessing community resources before during or after your pregnancy. To learn more about our Labor of Love program, call 505.727.7677.