Embarking on the journey to parenthood is an exciting and transformative time. It can prove to be one of the biggest and best decisions of your entire life. However, that isn’t to say it can’t also be a trying period that brings a lot of stress and anxiety. Sometimes, the path to conception isn’t always straightforward. Everyone’s fertility journey is different and that’s okay. But should you be finding it difficult to deal with stress and anxiety whilst trying to conceive, we’ve put together this blog to try and help you out with some handy tips for when you’re trying to conceive.
Understanding anxiety’s impact on your fertility journey
Stress is a natural response to difficult situations. When trying to conceive, the pressure to succeed can bring a lot of heightened emotions. But high levels of stress can affect your body, mind and fertility, leading to hormonal imbalances, disrupted menstrual cycles, and reduced sperm quality. This could potentially make it even more difficult to conceive.
Here at Leicester Fertility Centre, we understand the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies trying for a baby. We don’t want to see anyone struggle, so read on for some tips and strategies to help you manage the stress that comes with trying to conceive.
Acknowledge your feelings
It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even disappointed during this journey. Accepting your emotions is the first step in managing them. Allow yourself to feel and express these emotions without judgment. It’s okay to not be okay!
Practice relaxation techniques
Deep breathing and meditation can help calm your mind and reduce stress. Setting aside just a few minutes each day for these practices can make a significant difference. It might seem simple, but just taking that extra time to have a moment, ground yourself and breathe can really help clear your mind. If you need some help, there are also some really useful mindfulness apps available that you can download and use to assist with this. Headspace and Calm are two that are quite popular, and can be tailored to your needs.
Prioritise self-care
Prioritise your wellbeing by taking the time to do fun and relaxing self-care activities – these might range from having a professional massage, getting your nails done, trying out some deep breathing relaxation techniques or even just watching your favourite movie! You could even pick out a new hobby to get involved in that you find enjoyable or enrol in a yoga class – combining two of our points! – which could be beneficial in the long run. What is key though, is that you continue to make time to do things that make you happy, as it’s easy to get caught up in trying to conceive. Whilst it is important, you can’t be wholly focused on conceiving, so much so that you forget to look after yourself!
Stay informed – to an extent
Educating yourself about fertility and the conception process can be extremely empowering. It helps you to feel in control and understand better about some of the things that may happen or how you may feel. However, try to avoid information overload, which can increase anxiety. Choose reliable sources and limit your time spent researching.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Aiming for regular exercise (even a gentle walk!) and eating a balanced diet can really help with stress. Physical activity, in particular, is a natural stress reliever and can improve mood. You don’t have to run for miles and miles every night – although you can if it’s something you would enjoy! – but being active and eating the right kinds of food can make you feel better in yourself and could assist with conceiving too.
Create a support system
You aren’t on your own in this journey, no matter your situation. Lean on friends and family, or reach out to support groups who understand what you’re going through, as sharing your feelings and experiences with others can provide emotional relief and a sense of community. Or, if you find that you’re experiencing overwhelming anxiety, consider seeking professional guidance from a therapist or counsellor – especially one who specialises in fertility issues. They will be able to provide coping strategies tailored to your situation and journey. There’s no shame in speaking to anyone about the way you feel – and if it helps you feel better, then it can only be a positive!
We’re here for you
While the journey to parenthood can be stressful, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. By utilising support and taking on board some of these tips to manage your stress and prioritise your well-being, you can create a more positive and balanced experience.
Leicester Fertility Clinic is dedicated to supporting you through every step of this journey. We offer not only medical expertise but also emotional support to help you navigate the complexities of fertility treatment, and our team is always here to answer your questions, provide guidance, and assist with different resources. We have a team available, should you opt to join us on your fertility journey and use one of our treatments, that is more than willing to talk to you and offer you support and help should you need it at any point.
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