So you’ve been trying for a baby and so far, you’ve had no luck. You may be wondering if you’re infertile, but now a new study has shown that high stress levels may be a reason why you’ve not conceived.
Researchers from Oxford University and the US National Institutes of Health found that those who worry and are anxious during their fertile time are 12 per cent less likely to get pregnant than those who keep calm.
It may be a small figure but the researchers claim that it can make a big difference to older women who are trying to get pregnant, because their fertility is declining with age.
The study showed that stress hormones were consistently higher in women who were having difficulty conceiving, but that it is still as yet unclear how the stress hormones prevent conception.
This new evidence seems to back up anecdotal evidence that you should always try to stay as calm and relaxed as possible about trying for a baby. After all, we’ve all heard stories about couples who suddenly fell pregnant when they weren’t trying so hard.
So, if you’re trying for a baby, but haven’t conceived yet, don’t worry. It could be the very reason why you’ve not yet fallen pregnant.
Last updated: 20th January 2020
