Trying to conceive can be an emotional rollercoaster for many couples. Whether you're excited, nervous or stressed by the process, there is a wide range of emotions experienced by every woman – and no two experiences are the same.
The Two Week Wait
For many women, when you are trying to conceive it can be difficult to focus on anything else. Suddenly, you find yourself researching everything there is to know about fertility and ovulation, and feeling incredibly anxious during the two-week wait, all the while being constantly on alert looking out for pregnancy symptoms.
Dealing with stress
It's normal for women to become stressed when trying to conceive. Whether you've been trying for weeks, months or years or you're suffering from infertility issues and undergoing rounds of IVF, finding that what you'd hoped to be an exciting, romantic and fun time with your partner is in fact incredibly stressful and anxiety-inducing is not uncommon.
While we can't completely eradicate the stress associated with trying to conceive and each women's personal journey, it's important to try to alleviate it as much as we can as it may be further hampering your chances of a successful conception and pregnancy… and no I'm not going to tell you to ‘just relax’ (insert angry face here!).
The impact of stress
Studies have shown that stress can significantly reduce the probability of conception each day during the fertile window. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone, and because most bodily cells have cortisol receptors, it impacts many different bodily functions. Cortisol can help regulate metabolism, control blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and assist with memory formulation, as well as helping to manage blood pressure. In women, cortisol also supports the fetus while it develops pregnancy. All of these functions make cortisol a vital hormone to protect your overall health and wellbeing, which is essential when it comes to trying to conceive.
What can you do?
It's important to remember that there are many women out there in the same or a similar situation to you right now. You are not alone. Trying to conceive can be a very lonely time, but it doesn't have to be. Reach out to family and friends. Don't feel like talking to them? There is a wide range of support options available to you, and it can be helpful to speak to those who can relate to how you feel. From Instagram accounts where would-be mothers share the intimate details of their journey to conceive, to support groups and even YouTube videos where expectant or new mothers share their experiences with the world, there is a wealth of support available to you and it's important you make use of it. Your mental health will thank you for it.
My debut novel is a story of five women from all walks of life embarking on their two week wait together online. A journey of self-discovery and compassion.
Fertility coaching is a great option too for many who want to work alongside someone else, putting positive practices in place. Check out www.thetwoweekwait.com to work with us through your fertility journey.
The Two Week Wait by Lucy J Lewis is available to purchase now from The Book Guild and all good bookshops.
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