How to not stress when trying to conceive
Learning how to relax while trying to get pregnant can be easier said than done, especially if you have been trying to conceive for a while with no success.
The reality is that trying to conceive is different for every woman. It happens on the first or second month of trying for some women, while for others like myself, it takes strategic planning, which can take many months and even years to conceive. And unfortunately, some women are not able to conceive at all.
Coming from two big families where my mom had seven children and my father 5 (my parents separated before my birth), I’ve always known that I wanted children, lots of children. So naturally, after my husband and I got married, I could not wait to get pregnant.
However, trying to conceive was frustrating, a feeling I had not anticipated. Month after month, I would end up disappointed to the point where I was no longer enjoying the process of trying to get pregnant.
It caused a lot of anxiety, stress, and negative thoughts about whether I would ever be able to have children, which probably prolonged the conception process. That is why it is so essential for us women to learn how to relax while trying to get pregnant.
As I attempted to conceive all three of my children, I found the process to take much longer than I anticipated it should.
For this reason, I found myself constantly looking at the ovulation calendar, frequently trying to plan out the best days to try to get pregnant month after month, and was continuously taking pregnancy tests.
As you can imagine, I was becoming increasingly stressed and was no longer enjoying the process of trying to become pregnant. I was no longer making love to my husband for fun; it had become a task.
That’s when I realized I had to learn how to stay calm when trying to get pregnant and trust God and my body to do the work during this process.
*This post contains affiliate links, at no additional cost to you I am compensated if you purchase after clicking on the links.*
11 Ways to Relax While Trying to Get Pregnant
1. Trust God and your body
Trusting God, the creator, was something I was cornered into doing. I acknowledged that after ending up disappointed month after month, God knows what’s best for me and that if I trust Him, everything will work out. I also had to trust my body to do what it was naturally designed to do. And if it could not do what it was designed to do, there are other ways I could become a mom.
2. Know your cycle
Familiarizing yourself with your menstrual cycle and ovulation period is key to knowing when to try and get pregnant each month. Track your menstrual cycle by using an ovulation calendar to help you figure out the best days you are more likely to get pregnant each month.
3. Enjoy the process
Enjoy the process of trying to conceive with your husband. Continue to create memorable moments with your spouse and make the time of trying to conceive special. Remember that once the process of trying to create life is no longer enjoyable, that’s when stress starts to set in.
4. Overcome those negative thoughts
Doubting yourself, ability to conceive, and other negative thoughts can become a toxic part of the trying to get pregnant process. Be mindful of your thoughts and overcome them with positive self-talk and affirmations.
Recommended Books For Struggles With Pregnancy And Infertility:
Unsung Lullabies: Understanding and Coping with Infertility By Janet Jaffe, David Diamond, Martha Diamond
Living the Life Unexpected: How to Find Hope, Meaning and a Fulfilling Future Without Children By Jody Day
On Fertile Ground: Healing Infertility By Helen Adrienne
Infreakinfertility: How to Survive When Getting Pregnant Gets Hard By Melanie Dale
Mothers in Waiting: Healing and Hope for Those with Empty Arms By Crystal Bowman
5. Don’t let getting your period discourage you
This was probably the most challenging way for me to find out that I was not pregnant. Every month when the ovulation calendar reminded me that my period was due in 5 days, I prayed and hoped for those five days that my period would not come. I would do this month after month.
And when my period did come, I would sit on the toilet feeling absolutely defeated and have even cried a few times. Please don’t let getting your period discourage you. Keep going and believing that eventually, it will happen.
6. Stay active
Take care of your body that is getting ready to undergo the journey of carrying new life by maintaining an active lifestyle by exercising regularly.
7. Don’t obsess over pregnancy tests
I should be the one to talk! I can’t tell you how much money I spent on pregnancy tests. I was so obsessed with taking pregnancy tests that I would take money from other household budgets to purchase these tests. I would take the tests 7-10 days before my missed period, knowing very well that I would not get an accurate result.
8. Use your support system
Anxiety and trying to get pregnant can sometimes go hand in hand. Reaching out to your support system and being honest about your feelings and what you’re going through can be a powerful way to destress when trying to get pregnant.
9. Knowledge is power
Understanding the process of conception, infertility, and the many ways to go about having a family can be comforting.
10. It’s okay to take a break
Remember to take a break from looking at the ovulation calendar. Take some time off and go with the flow. You never know; this could be the time it finally happens! That’s what happened with my third pregnancy. Once I decided to go with flow, that’s when I got pregnant!
11. Continue to live your life
Don’t put your life on hold just because you’re trying to conceive. Continue to do the things you love and the things that make you happy. You will be a better person for it, trust me.
Related childhood articles:
It’s More Than Stress: How To Recognize Generalized Anxiety Disorder In Adults
6 Simple and Natural Ways To Manage Your Anxiety
How to Stay Calm When Trying to Get Pregnant
Stress is the cause of many medical problems. We need to pay more attention to that area of health. Thanks!
definitely
Great tips but gosh, it is hard when you are TTC. Everything you think about relates back to that one topic. I felt you on buying way too many pregnancy tests. Those things are pricey!!