New Year, New Hope!
All of us make New Year’s resolutions, and very few of us keep them!
When you’re trying to conceive, your hopes and dreams may be mixed in with disappointments and worries. But there are some resolutions you can make, and keep, which will help you get the family you want.
1) Be Kind to Your Body
A healthy body is much more likely to get pregnant than one affected by habits that hurt your health. Steps you can take include:
- Stop smoking, if you are a smoker. Smoking has been proven to decrease your chances of getting pregnant.
- If you are overweight, lose some weight. Losing as little as 10 percent of your body weight can improve your fertility. If you’re under weight, try to gain a little. Staying in the healthy range for your height helps optimize your hormone levels.
- Don’t overindulge in alcohol, and don’t use drugs. Partying and getting pregnant really don’t mix.
2) Deal with Stress
Trying to get pregnant is stressful. Many patients say it is as stressful as other big life events like losing a job or dealing with the loss of someone you love. Mind/body methods like acupuncture, massage, and yoga can help relieve the worries and tension. Moderate exercise can also help, and will help you maintain your weight as well. If you have begun fertility treatment, your fertility center may have a counselor you can speak to or support groups you can join. There are other support groups online such as those identified by RESOLVE, The National Fertility Association, on their
website.
3) Manage Your Emotions
Fertility treatment is an emotional roller-coaster ride. Even before you start treatment, you may suffer from depression, jealousy, anger, and even grief. It’s very hard to see your friends and family members get pregnant easily while you struggle. It’s only natural to feel upset and unhappy. Try to let the bad feelings go. As a wise therapist once said, sit on the couch, feel your feelings for 10 minutes, then let them go and move on! If you need help, don’t hesitate to see a counselor or therapist. Emotional support is very important through this difficult time.
4) Acknowledge Your Partner’s Feelings
Remember you’re not in this alone. Your partner may be feeling some of the same emotions you feel, and may not share them to keep from hurting you or because it’s hard for him or her to talk about it. Please be kind to each other. Try to be patient and supportive. Again, don’t hesitate to find a counselor or a support group if you find your relationship is suffering from your struggle with infertility.
5) Don’t Wait to Get Help
If you’re under 35 and you’ve been TTC for a year without success, or you are over 35 and have been trying for six months, maybe it’s time to see a fertility specialist and get advice from an expert to help you start your family.
