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Can Stress Affect Your Chances of Conceiving?
The rapid advancements in medical technologies are unravelling the mysteries behind various health conditions. One such growing concern is infertility. In addition to various causes that affect fertility, you must have heard the word stress echoing around. Stress finds its place among the top reasons for infertility. Let’s try to understand how stress can affect conception and how couples can handle it effectively.
How does Stress Affect Fertility?
When you are trying hard to conceive and find yourself helpless, you must have heard people say, “Relax”. This advice triggers various questions such as does stress cause infertility? While stress and infertility are not directly related, extensive research reveals that depression, anxiety, stress, and infertility are connected. When couples try to conceive and experience failure, their physical and emotional stress increases.
Can stress stop you from getting pregnant? In this digital era, you are prone to be stressed easily. Generally, stress upsets your health and can affect conception. Stress can impede conception because it hinders the working of the hypothalamus. Hypothalamus is a gland in the centre of the brain that controls your emotions and also regulates hormones that trigger the ovaries to release eggs. If you are planning to have sex on days based on your ovulation, then you might miss the chances of conceiving during this period. So, stress affects ovulation, but it doesn’t stop you from getting pregnant.
Stress increases the levels of stress-related hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol and catecholamines. These hormones can prevent the release of GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) in the hypothalamus, which in turn impacts the release of sex hormones. It might also reduce the sperm count in men.
You must be wondering how does stress affect the reproductive system. Chronic stress can decrease general fertility and this can lead to Stress-Induced Reproductive Dysfunction. Stress can cause a disruption to GnRH. GnRH, which handles the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland, triggers the ovaries and testes to release the required sex hormones. So, a GnRH disruption impacts the release of the hormones and in turn affects the functioning of the target organs.
Physical Effect of Stress on Your Fertility
When the body is stressed, it gets into a defence mode and the body begins to react to this stress by releasing an increased amount of hormones. The body works towards conserving life and so reproduction takes a back seat. Physical stress such as heavy exercise can affect the menstrual cycle and fertility in women. It can also affect fertility in men. So, when the stress levels are high, getting pregnant is challenging and difficult.
Mental Effect of Stress on Your Fertility
Mental or emotional stress has an impact on the couple because conception is also based on an emotional link between the partners. Stress also leads to lack of interest in sex. A stressed couple might not be in tune physically to have sex. Stress can affect erection and increased, or continuous stress can cause erectile dysfunction.
Techniques to Reduce Stress
If you are experiencing difficulties in conceiving and there are no medical reasons that are affecting conception, you can look towards gauging your lifestyle and stress levels. Following are some techniques that can help you in reducing the effects of stress:
Changing the way you handle yourself in stressful conditions is an important factor in stress management. When you are in a stressful condition, you can control the way you react. Your reaction plays an important role in what happens to your body. If you are worried, angry, frustrated, afraid or having negative visions in stressful situations, it is time for you to pause, breathe and learn to control these emotions. This needs practice and consistent effort from you.
Practicing meditation or other healthy habits reduce stress. There are various practices, which have been found to be effective in stress management. Some of them include:
Adequate sleep
Exercise everyday
Meditation
Practicing yoga
Consuming calming herbs
Acupuncture
Walking in a natural environment like parks
Reading books in the park
Having warm baths
Surrendering and letting go of unnecessary thoughts
Herbs support in stress management. They nourish the nervous system and help in harmonising hormonal disparity. Some helpful herbs include:
Ashwagandha root
Lemon Balm leaf
Shatavari root
Maca root
Schisandra fruit and seed
Reading good books that are inspiring help you live in peace. Some books provide guidances and suggestions to handle stress effectively. Following are some useful books:
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Loving What Is by Byron Katie
The Power of Less by Leo Babauta
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is helpful in handling stress and fertility. EFT is an effective technique that frees you from emotional blockages and relieves you from stress. It brings about tremendous change in your physiological condition. It also removes psychological blocks that might be hindering conception. EFT is an ancient and effective Chinese practice.
Progressive muscle relaxation is a 10-minute stress relieving exercise that involves tightening and relaxing the parts of your body, from head to toe. This wrinkling and relaxing of the various parts of the body help in experiencing how your body feels when it is stressed and similarly when it is relaxed. This exercise is an effective stress reliever.
There are many other techniques that can help you relax and curb the impact of stress on pregnancy. However, if you still find stress to be affecting you, talk to a counsellor, psychologist or a psychiatrist who can guide you in stress management.
While many couples are trying hard to conceive and yearning to see their bundle of joy, they seem to ignore the impact of an important cause – stress – which is a growing concern. If you think stress is your culprit, act now.
Also Read:
Ayurvedic Therapy for Infertility
Yoga to Boost Fertility in Women
Foods to Increase Fertility Read more
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BREAST FEEDING IS A BOON.....
Why to opt for breast feeding..?
The milk formation in some women starts to happen before a month or so of delivery. You will not even realise but there will be few drops coming out from your breasts which then forms a layer on your nipples. You are required to clean your nipples gently with warm water while taking a shower. Do not be harsh and make sure not to use your nails to prick. It is very important for you to follow this as it might be one of the reasons you are unable to breast feed as the openings of your nipples are dried up and hence would affect the flow of milk.
Initial stage of breastfeeding
The first few days after the birth of your baby are very important and even difficult. I personally faced a little difficulty as being a first time mother I did not even know how to hold the baby for feeding and how to lock the baby’s mouth to the nipples so that she can suck the milk. This process will be painful as the babies suck it really hard and your milk is not in a proper flow yet. You will observe that the milk is coming in form of drops on the first and second day. However, once you feed your baby the milk will start coming in a flow and that will also make the process pain free for you. Give it time, once you and the baby get comfortable with it things will be quite easier.
There are some women who are unable to breast feed their babies due to various complications. These aresome reasons why women are unable to do breast feeding:
There is less milk supply which is not sufficient to fill the baby’s stomach.
Pre term delivery
Complications due to C section delivery
Some women willingly do not want to breast feed as they think it will cause sagging of breasts.
It is said that mother’s milk is best for the baby however, it is great not only for the baby but also for the mothers. Do you know that according to a study published in the journal of Reviews in Obstetrics & Gynecology, women who don’t or can’t breastfeed face way a higher risk when it comes to cancer?
Advantages of breast feeding FOR THE MOTHER:
There are more chances of conceiving again soon after your delivery. If the mother chooses to breast feed, the hormones which are subsequently produced don’t let egg formation happen. If she chooses not to breast feed the ovulation process starts and then she gets her period which means she is again ready for another pregnancy. This can also harm her uterus and overall well-being as giving birth to a baby makes your body weak.
It is seen that women who get pregnant again soon after delivery have higher chances of getting ovarian cancer. Hence, if you are breast feeding it can save you from ovarian cancer as well as breast cancer.
If you are breast feeding your baby you have less chances of gaining weight after delivery. When you are breast feeding more of your energy is used in producing milk due to which there will be a loss in your weight. Breast feeding helps you burn 500-700 calories per day. So if you want to lose your post pregnancy weight you need to breast feed.
Breast feeding helps you in reducing the bleeding after your delivery. The women who don’t breast feed their uterus takes time to come back to its original shape or position however, this happens sooner in women who breast feed.
Some women face depression after delivery due to sleeplessness, loss of appetite, intense irritability hence, feel lonely. This can also affect your bond with the baby. If you are breast feeding you have better chances to bond with your baby which will help you not being depressed.
Advantages of breast feeding FOR THE BABY:
Breast feeding contains everything that a baby needs for the first 6 months in all the right proportions. The first milk that is produced is a wonder food for your baby and cannot be replaced with formula milk.
Breast milk helps in increasing your baby’s immunity. It is loaded with antibodies which helps your baby fight off viruses and bacteria.
Breast fed babies self regulate their milk intake. They are better at eating only until they have satisfied their hunger, which helps them develop healthy eating patterns.
Breast milk is easy for the baby’s stomach which causes less stomach upset, diarrhea and constipation as compared to formula milk.
The skin to skin contact between you and your baby while breast feeding will bring you closer to your baby. This will help your baby feel more protected and will help you create a better bond with them.
Breast feeding will keep you and your baby healthier and happier.
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Best Way to Care Is to Give a Joyful Environment to Your Baby
Today, I have just started writing about my sweet baby girl – My Venus. I won’t say she is precious to me; rather, she is my very life. I am happy she has taken after her father, but her beautiful eyes show me my fantastic journey of motherhood. She is amazing!
I am growing with her every day, learning a lot of mischiefs, enjoying being tired after running behind her throughout the day, and mastering the art of patience and multitasking. Every little thing with her gives me so much pleasure and joy that I do not mind being tired. For me, the best way to care is to provide her with a joyful and loving environment where she can grow happily and freely. I am prepared to give her all the care and joy of the world and will allow her to learn everything from experiences. I will let her be a part of our good times and struggles so that she learns to face every situation in life from a tender age. She will learn to stand tall after every fall. I will keep supporting her as a strong mom; I will let her face every struggle of life and find her way to strength and confidence. I will teach my Venus to survive every challenge. She will learn to express every emotion – be it joy or grief, and bear it gracefully. This post is all about my little one. She made me realize that being a mom is just like being in heaven. My baby’s arrival marked special joy in my life and opened up a whole new world for me.
For new mothers, especially first-timers, there may be moments when taking care of your kid can become a little too overwhelming. It is natural to be excited when you take your baby home from the hospital. It is equally natural to feel scared and anxious, especially for first-time parents. You might be in self-doubt and feel at a loss about where to get started and how to take enough care of the newborn. However, there is nothing to be anxious about. You can follow simple baby care tips to sail smoothly through the initial phase of motherhood before you become a pro.
Some of the key tips are:
Keep your baby warm
Breastfeeding is essential
Maintain vaccination records
Feed baby well and on time
Keep these tips in mind as you take care of your baby through thick and thin, and rest everything is sure to fall in place. Enjoy your motherhood to the fullest!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
19 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
7 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is better to avoid this at this time and also if you want to eat burger then it is better to make it a home . Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
18 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
17 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
11 hours ago
Q. I am 7 month pregnant with second baby I have severe abscess pain in armpit and buttocks pls tell me remedy for this ...Dr recommend antibiotics and ultracet pain tablet I have taken some doses of it but worried about the foetal development..does it hurt my baby
Read moreDr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
9 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
continue antibiotics regularly
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
5 hours ago
Q. Hello dr meri beti 6 days ki hai or use feed karwane ke bad nose or muh se milk bhar aa raha hai to aesa kyu kr rahi hai….me kya Dr ko dikhau kya???
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
5 hours ago
A. Hello dear parent! Keep your baby’s heart in a little elevated position while you’re breastfeeding. Burp your baby after every feed. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy. Consult your doctor for further assistance
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts how to reduce belly fat after pregnancy and skin was loose .two year passes but problem is persist.How can reduce it
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. For weight loss diet is good in intermittent fasting a good and but if your body is loose or you feel you really do tighten up your body then gymming or yoga both the things are going to be very good both the things are going to be helpful in tightening up your body and muscles at the same time but it is time consuming we just have to have patience
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. my baby is one month old and have cold symptoms. can I consume buttermilk?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. yes u can further you can contact with your doctor and you can get thhje the solution for this by discussing with him he will guide you for more details if required .
Its always better to take the guidance by the concernged person with the geniune advice ...
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- Infant0 to 6 Months
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