Keep Calm And Conceive

Summer holidays mean relaxation and escaping from the stress of everyday life, so it makes sense that some couples have been combining getting away with something more purposeful – making a baby!

Whilst conceiving a summer baby may be the objective for some couple’s holiday, others find it more difficult than anticipated. Professor Geeta Nargund, Medical Director of CREATE Fertility and key seminar speaker at the Fertility Show comments, “Stress is one of a myriad of factors that can impact on the chances of falling pregnant. Planned conception can in itself be extremely stressful and it is therefore natural that people use holidays, typically a period of rest and relaxation, as a time when to try and conceive.”

“We do sometimes see an increase in the number of patients post-holidays when people have failed to conceive in their ‘conception-moon’ as this can act as a trigger to visit their GP or a fertility specialist. It is important to remember that seeking specialist help doesn’t automatically mean you will need IVF treatment. Having basic fertility tests and getting advice on how to maximise chances of natural assessment of your egg reserve and whether there are any underlying conditions that can negatively impact natural conception. For many individuals who haven’t managed to conceive over the summer seeing their GP or a fertility specialist can have a positive outcome and provide a greater chance of falling pregnant naturally.”

Although impossible to live a life without stress it is proven that reducing stress can affect fertility in a positive way and Geeta Nargund has provided her 5 top tips, which can help couples manage their post-summer holiday stress as they prepare to embark on the next stage of their fertility journey:

1. Share your feelings: opening up to your partner, spouse or a family member is key. It is important to maintain a close relationship with your partner during this period, try and take the time needed to focus on yourselves consistently.
2. Maintain a healthy BMI: eating a balanced diet can help to ensure that your body is healthy enough to conceive and is ready for a healthy pregnancy.
3. Exercise: If your body feels good, so does your mind. Exercise can help with increasing circulation and reducing anxiety – all of which are helpful when trying for a baby.
4. Get enough sleep: adequate sleep is important. Feeling tired can increase your stress levels.
5. Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol intake: Stress can affect your life style and it is important to note that smoking and excessive alcohol intake can have a negative impact of fertility.

See Professor Geeta Nargund at the Fertility Show, Olympia, London on 5^th November at her seminar “Natural Cycle and Mild IVF – fertility treatment without the drugs?”