Dealing with stress while Trying to Conceive (TTC) quickly after getting married can be challenging. I was newly remarried at 33 and in a hurry to try and conceive before I hit 35. I was so stressed! I felt that I was in a race against my egg timer. My husband and I were both married prior and on our second marriage with each other. We both had no kids from our prior relationships. We were so happy as newlyweds to have a spouse who we loved dearly and wanted to have kids with!
It can be super sexy to TTC with your new spouse right away, as it was for us in the first month, but it is also can be stressful. If you are trying timed intercourse on certain days of the month that can also sometimes ruin the mood altogether! The spontaneity you once knew while you were dating can go out the window. We thought we would be like everyone else who gets pregnant fast or accidentally. At the time, it seemed as if everyone around us was falling pregnant quickly and here we were about 10 months in with no success. For my full conception journey please see my first blog.
Here are some tips to help manage stress during this time:
1.) Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a priority in your daily routine. Engage in activities that help you relax and reduce stress, such as exercise, meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will help you better cope with stress.
2.) Communicate with Your Partner: Openly communicate with your spouse about your feelings and concerns. Share the stress you’re experiencing and work together to find ways to support each other. Remember that you’re a team, and facing challenges together can strengthen your bond.
3.) Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that conceiving quickly may not always be within your control. It’s important to set realistic expectations and be patient with the process. Remember that everyone’s fertility journey is unique, and it’s normal for it to take time.
4.) Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who have gone through similar experiences. Sharing your feelings and hearing from others who have faced similar challenges can provide comfort and validation. Consider joining online communities or seeking professional counseling if needed.
5.) Focus on Overall Health: Take steps to optimize your overall health, as it can positively impact fertility. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and manage stress through healthy coping mechanisms. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on improving your fertility health.
6.) Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine. This can include deep breathing exercises, guided meditation, or practicing gratitude. Mindfulness can help reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and promote a sense of calm.
7.) Distract Yourself: Engage in activities that bring you joy and help take your mind off the stress of trying to conceive. Pursue hobbies, spend time with loved ones, or explore new interests. Focusing on other aspects of your life can help alleviate stress and create a sense of balance.
8.) Seek Professional Help: If stress becomes overwhelming or starts to impact your daily life, consider seeking professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide guidance, support, and coping strategies to help you manage stress effectively.
9.) Set good boundaries around those who are pregnant. You don’t have to attend every baby shower or family event if you are weary or anxious about sharing with others you’re struggling to conceive. People will understand that you need space and they should respect your feelings.
Remember, stress can have an impact on fertility, so it’s important to prioritize your well-being during this time. By taking care of yourself, seeking support, and managing stress, you can navigate the journey of trying to conceive with greater ease and resilience. It is not certain how stress negatively impacts your fertility, but it is certainly true that infertility causes stress! Resolve.org has many support groups to help those dealing with infertility. Social media groups about TTC or infertility can be helpful especially if you feel alone in your journey.