Tracking ovulation, checking symptoms, and waiting for results can turn trying to conceive into a monthly cycle of hope and anxiety.
A fertility evaluation is often the first step toward understanding what might be making conception harder, stress included.
Can stress affect my chances of getting pregnant? The science says yes, and following it is more manageable than you might expect.
Can Stress Affect My Chances of Getting Pregnant?
Stress hormones like cortisol can disrupt the signals between your brain and ovaries, which can throw off ovulation.
One study found women with higher stress markers took 29 percent longer to conceive than women with lower levels.
A separate study of preconception stress found it lowered the chance of a live birth, especially for people going through IVF.
Anxiety in particular has been shown to prolong the time it takes to conceive, even without any other complications involved.
What Helps Reduce Stress and Increase Chances for Conception
Can stress affect my chances of getting pregnant enough that managing it is worth the effort? Research suggests yes, and the changes involved are manageable.
Moderate exercise, about one to five hours of walking a week, is linked to higher conception rates than very intense workouts.
Relaxation techniques and support groups help too. In one study, 55 percent of women in a structured mind-body program conceived, compared with 20 percent of women who were not.
A Mediterranean-style diet, heavy on whole grains and fish, has also been linked to higher conception rates than a heavily processed one.
Staying connected with friends and family, and getting enough sleep, are all part of a well-rounded health and wellness routine.
Talking Through Stress Can Bring Peace of Mind
Can stress affect my chances of getting pregnant? It can, and it's one of the few factors you have some control over.
Talking openly with your partner, a counselor, a support group, or a licensed health care provider can ease some of the burden.
A fertility evaluation can also rule out other causes, so you are not guessing at what's behind the delay.
Call 703-462-8665 or request a consultation online to talk through your options.
