Staying Calm During Your Fertility Journey
Dealing with infertility is stressful and stress reduces fertility. It really is a catch-22 situation. When a woman is ready to become pregnant, it’s such an exciting time in her life. No one really knows how long it will take. For some women it’s an easy experience, yet for many others, the waiting truly tests their patience, emotions and reasons for wanting to become a mother. When you become deeply involved in your pursuit of pregnancy, life may no longer be as fun or spontaneous. Relationships may begin to develop friction and your social life may diminish. Some women become depressed because this pursuit of having a child can become all-consuming, although it doesn’t have to be.
It may not be possible to completely remove all stress associated with trying to conceive, but it’s likely that you can manage it better. It’s impor-tant to have a plan, especially if you are consider-ing fertility treatments. This plan should include time for natural conception and time for the maximum number of cycles of IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF if you choose to incorpo-rate them. The plan is important because it will allow you to keep moving forward and not get stuck for too long at one stage, which could delay your dream of having a child.
Many women also find it helpful to develop a support group of close friends and relatives who they can feel comfortable talking with on a regular basis. Some seek out an infertility support group where you can be among women who are having experiences similar to yours. Another option for support is finding a therapist whose practice is dedicated to helping women and couples going through infertility. Keep in mind that your doctor is likely to be very familiar with planning for a pregnancy and can help you devise a pregnancy plan that’s tailored just for you.
I recommend that you aim to have a full and productive life while you are waiting to become pregnant as long as it is not overly taxing physically or mentally. A healthy mix of activities and relaxation is smart as well as incorporating meditation to help you anchor your mind and emotions. Reducing stress is not the only thing that can help you get pregnant, but it can help increase your natural fertility potential.
The desire to have a child and to ultimately become a parent is such a natural part of the human experience. It can test your limits and your relationships, but the ultimate goal to keep in mind is to have a healthy child. That may not always look the way you imagined it would. Perhaps you have reached your limit on trying to get pregnant or you are just beginning this journey. If having a child is truly what you want and if you open yourself to all possibilities, then your dream is within reach.