7 Ways to Reduce Stress When Trying to Conceive

It’s no secret that an excess of stress hormones can wreak havoc on the body.

When the body’s natural stress response is activated, the adrenal gland secretes stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Adrenaline produces the energy rush that would allow one to flee or fight off the threat. At the same time, cortisol works to shut down other non-essential bodily functions so that the body can redirect all energy and resources toward functions essential for survival.

When stress is experienced occasionally, the body naturally returns to its baseline levels once the threat has passed. However, when stress is chronic, cortisol can begin to interfere with the normal functioning of the digestive and reproductive systems, it can weaken the immune system, affect sleep patterns and lead to other health risks. Keep reading to find out how to reduce stress when trying to conceive

How Does Stress Affect Conception?

Some women have difficulty conceiving because they live a hectic and stressful lifestyle. Stress isn’t just mental; over-exercising or undereating also causes stress to the body and can weaken reproductive function.

When a couple fails to conceive as quickly as they’d hoped, this can add on another layer of stress, making the process of conceiving even more difficult.

Women who suffer from chronic stress may also experience the loss of a period; a condition called amenorrhea. With the loss of a period, the ovaries are less likely to produce and secrete a healthy and viable egg. Learn more about how stress can affect fertility here. 

7 Ways to Reduce Stress When Trying to Conceive

When trying to conceive, it’s essential to manage stress levels effectively so the body, and especially the reproductive system, can function at its best. Here are some tips for reducing stress when trying to get pregnant.

1. Take care of the body to reduce stress

Eating nourishing, hormone-friendly and anti-inflammatory foods help flush out excess hormones that may be lingering due to ongoing stress. In addition, light to moderate exercise may be more beneficial than intensive workouts like cross-fit or HIIT.

2. Get informed

 Learn about all the possible factors that can affect fertility and discuss any concerns with an fertility specialist or medical professional to seek the best course of action. If you are struggling to conceive and would like to understand how natural Chinese Medicine can offer an alternative way of conceiving we offer free consultation. Learn more here.

3. Try acupuncture for stress 

 Acupuncture studies have shown some promising results in terms of relieving stress that could be associated with difficulty conceiving. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical procedure in which the body’s energy is brought back into balance. Through the stimulation of acupuncture points with the use of very fine needles, this life energy is sent throughout the body through various channels. Learn more about acupuncture for fertility here.

4. Take a break

If the stress of trying to conceive is mounting on, it may be a good idea to take a break from trying to take some of the pressure off. Anytime overwhelm starts to set in, step away and take some time to regroup. 

5. Practice relaxation techniques

When practiced daily, guided meditations, yoga, and breathing exercises can help regulate and calm the nervous system.

6. Spend time outside

Spending time in the sun ensures healthy stores of vitamin D, which is essential for mood regulation. Additionally, breathing fresh air and connecting with nature can feel grounding and provide a much-needed reset.

7. Speak to a friend or join a support group

Support groups can be a valuable way to share and learn from the experiences of others who are also having difficulty conceiving. Likewise, close friends and family can provide much-needed support. Chronic stress can cause disturbances to normal bodily functions. Therefore, it’s important to manage stress levels, especially when trying to get pregnant.

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