The First Time to be Proven Scientifically
Delay or lack of pregnancy have been always linked to biological factors, fertility problems and unhealthy habits. However, stress was commonly considered as a factor that affects chances of pregnancy though it was never proved scientifically.
The study, which is considered to be the first of its kind, has found an association between high levels of a substance indicative of stress and a reduced chance of pregnancy among normal and healthy women.
According to the study, women with the highest levels of alpha-amylase (an indicator of adrenalin levels) had about a 12% less chance of becoming pregnant compared with other women who had lower levels.
Dr.Cecilia Pyper, of the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit at the University of Oxford, was quoted in the article entitled “High Stress Delays Pregnancy” on BBC News as saying that “this is the first study to find that a biological measure of stress is associated with a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant that month.
The findings support the idea that couples should aim to stay as relaxed as they can about trying for a baby,” Dr. Pyper added.
Based on these recent findings, couples are advised to relax, reduce their stress levels to the minimum and give up all negative thoughts in order to increase the chances of conception.
What Can Women Do to Reduce Stress?
In cases where there is not any significant medical problem preventing pregnancy, simple changes in the woman’s lifestyle and attitudes can do wonders. Here are some ways to minimise stress and boost morale:
Trying Some Relaxation Techniques: Specify a time each day or few times a week when you can meditate, enjoy a candle-lit bath and let your body soak in an aromatic scent, or just do something you find relaxing.
Yoga and Massage: Yoga is another relaxing approach that makes you feel better and might help with methods of meditation. You can do it at home or by joining some classes where you can get more out of it physically and spiritually.
Massage is also a perfect self-indulgent and an aromatherapy massage is ideal. However, always make sure to tell the therapist that you are trying for a baby and may be pregnant so as to use pregnancy-safe oils and practices.
Sharing your Feelings with Others: Speaking with your partner, a close friend or relative does help and will definitely make you feel much better.
Expressing your concerns and feelings to others enables you to let off steam and allows others to offer advice and support.
Joining Online Forums: Using forums (such as Thinkbaby forums, for example), is an ideal way for expressing your feelings and sharing your experience. These forums help you to seek advice and to know that there are many other women who are in the same boat.
Balancing Needs and Chores: Focusing only on your daily responsibilities and chores while ignoring your needs and pleasures may put you in a bad mood and affect you negatively. Try to allocate a time in your schedule for daily chores and don’t think about them before or after it, so that you can enjoy your special treats and pleasures.
Making Your Body Ready for Pregnancy
It is very important for your body to be ready for the long journey of pregnancy. Preparing your body for pregnancy is as essential as preparing for motherhood. You have to be prepared physically as well as mentally and emotionally for becoming pregnant.
If you are trying to conceive, you should maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is recommended that you do the following:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Get proper nutrition and have a balanced diet.
- Avoid unhealthy habits as smoking, drinking or taking any other recreational drugs.
- Start taking a prenatal vitamin before getting pregnant. Taking an all-purpose multivitamin ensures that you are getting enough of several important vitamins and minerals. At the top of the list is folic acid which is a B vitamin that can reduce the risk of neural tube defects in babies.
- Limit your intake of caffeine and start to wean yourself from caffeine in chocolate, cocoa, fizzy drinks and coffee.
The need to become a mum is a very common and natural feeling experienced by most women. Trying for a baby might take some time even for healthy couples. Instead of being overwhelmed and stressed for not being pregnant, try to relax, keep yourself in good spirits, and adjust your lifestyle as much as you can to increase your conception chances.
