Can I still get pregnant if I’m stressed? Are you worried that your anxiety may cause hurdles in conceiving? If so, you are not alone. Getting pregnant with anxiety is usually associated with worrisome outcomes in mothers and infants. However, the truth is that controlled stress and anxiety has nothing to do with this process.
The guidance and treatment of the top gynaecologist can help immensely during the entire process. Medical experts explain the relationship between anxiety and fertility and some useful tips in this post.
What Science has to Say Here?
Does stress cause infertility in females? Many women fear that anxiety and stress can impact their chances of getting pregnant or their infants’ health. It has been one of the most intense debate topics for over a decade. Here’s what Science has to say about it. You see, stress triggers the production of cortisol in a woman’s body. And elevated cortisol levels can trigger anxiety. It means that stress leads to anxiety.
Thankfully, there is no scientific evidence to prove that controlled anxiety or stress causes challenges in getting pregnant. Moreover, these things also do not cause difficulties during the IVF process. But it doesn’t mean stress doesn’t affect getting pregnant. Prolonged anxiety and stress problems can interfere with natural and artificial pregnancy processes. It can also extend the time of conception in some cases. Why don’t you consult a reputed gynaecologist to learn more about it? Here’s how to find the best gynaecologist in Chandigarh.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Here are the top symptoms that every woman with anxiety planning a pregnancy should know about.
- Frequent spells of nervousness and anxiety
- Excessive worrying about things, especially how you are going to get pregnant
- Constant worrying about your unborn’ s health
- Finding it almost impossible or difficult to relax your mind
- Feeling hard to stay still
- Sexual dysfunction
- A constant feeling of restlessness
- Often feeling agitated and irritable
- Getting afraid often or assuming something bad is going to happen
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness
- Excess, sudden sweating
- A tingling or numb feeling in lips, toes, limbs, or fingers
- Unexplained trembling, pain, or tension in lips, toes, limbs, or fingers
- Feeling overwhelmed after seeing pregnant women
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship problems
- Getting anxiety or panic attacks
Tips to Manage Anxiety While Planning Pregnancy
Your gynaecologist and psychiatrist are the best people to guide and assist you in planning a pregnancy with mental health condition. Meanwhile, here are some useful tips that can help you manage your anxiety while planning pregnancy.
Talk about it
The best way to manage your anxiety is by talking about it. Reach out to your friends and or family members to express your feelings. Sometimes, simply sharing your thoughts helps you de-stress and motivate you to continue. Besides, you can also ask your doctor to refer to a reliable, trained therapist. Some therapists specialise in helping women experiencing anxiety while planning pregnancy.
Find a Release
Engage in powerful activities that can help in lowering your stress and anxiety. It is a great way to combat all types of mental issues. Physical activities encourage your body to release endorphins, a natural painkiller for the brain. It significantly helps in managing anxiety. Yoga, running, jogging, and walking are the most popular physical activities to consider here. Ideally, you choose any activity that keeps your body moving. A regular 20 to 30 minutes regime can do wonders for your mental health.
Distract your Mind
The moment you experience any anxiety-related symptoms, distract your mind. Meditation, massage, deep breathing, and acupuncture are the top activities that can help you immensely here. Breathing exercises effectively boost the brain’s oxygen level. It stimulates and relaxes the nervous system. Experts recommend 10 to 15 minutes of deep breathing daily for the best results. You can also consider reading books related to how to not stress about getting pregnant.
Speak to your Partner
Besides pouring your heart in front of your friends and family, consider expressing your prenatal stress to your partner. After all, he will be your ultimate companion on this journey. Discuss your concerns about the future and your acceptance of expanding the family. Take some quality time and figure things out. It is a great way to control your thoughts and anxiety.
Learn about Anxiety
Consult your healthcare provider and try to understand more about anxiety and its intensity in your case. You should also try to understand its role in pre and post-pregnancy scenarios. Know the top symptoms to watch for. Also, understand the red flags for rushing to your doctor. Keep your loved ones involved in this process. They can help you manage your anxiety better.
Follow your Treatment Plan
There are medications for stress, anxiety and depression which are safe for couples who are trying to conceive. Or for women who are pregnant and there are others who may not be safe. You need to consult a specialist for the same.
Ensure you take all your medicines as directed by your doctor if you plan to get pregnant. Skipping any dose can trigger your anxiety. Moreover, regular check-ups are also equally crucial to keep your stress and anxiety under control. Consult your therapist immediately if you experience discomfort after taking any new medicine.
Bottom Line
So, it was all about how to plan a pregnancy when you have mental health problems. For many women, handling anxiety is an overwhelming process. Therefore, they should consider seeing professionals for the right guidance and treatment procedure. These therapists have the expertise in putting the patient at ease and initiating a one-on-one interaction.
Besides, support groups can also immensely help in controlling this issue. Please understand that taking therapy for stress and anxiety is normal, especially if it is interfering with your fertility.
You should take hold of your thoughts, find ways to distract your mind and love yourself. It is how you calm anxiety while planning pregnancy. Last but most important, consult the best gynaecologist in India to get the best pre and post-pregnancy care and treatment.
