The role that stress plays on one’s fertility is fairly complex. Stress in itself does not prevent conception. However, severe stress can delay ovulation by suppressing the hormones necessary for it to occur, on the other hand infertility may cause social and marital stress which may in turn act on the hormones of the woman and prevent ovulation further worsening the chances of conception. It leads to a vicious cycle of stress and infertility, the most reasonable way to approach this is to take steps to address the infertility and then the stress it brings reduces drastically. The stress associated with infertility is usually worse when a partner usually the husband but rarely the wife is not cooperative. It is important to have the necessary support from the home front in other to handle the stress better.

Do the following if you are trying to get pregnant: fuel up on folic acid. Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin that can help reduce the risk of serious birth defect that affect the brain and spinal cord. Quit smoking, drinking and drugs now. Smoking or taking drugs greatly diminishes your chances of getting pregnant and can lead to miscarriages, premature birth and low-birth-weight babies. Smoking and alcohol can affect your fertility and lower your partner’s sperm count. Cut down on caffeine. Too much caffeine can reduce your ability to absorb iron and increase your risk for still birth, avoid coffee, tea and colas to increase your chances of getting pregnant. If you are a complete coffee freak, the safe limit would be a cup a day. Maintain healthy weight. Healthy-weight women have an easier time getting pregnant than over weight or underweight women. Timing is everything. You have little chance will have little chance of getting pregnant if you had sex on the wrong days and missed the most fertile once. Figure out your ovulation days to increase your chances of conception. Ovulation predictor kits can also help you figure out when you are ovulating by detecting hormones in your urine that signals ovulation is about to occur.

Control your mind. Women who suffer from depression are twice as likely to have problem with fertility as women who don’t. Get a medical health check if you notice signs of depression. Also, try stress management techniques, such as yoga and meditation, which research suggest can also help in getting pregnant. Increase the odds. Make your vaginal environment as sperm-friendly as possible. Avoid vaginal sprays and scented tampons, artificial lubricants and douching. Not only can they cause infection, they may wash away cervical mucus or create a hostile environment for the sperm.