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“Kids don’t need a perfect mother; they need a happy mother,” goes an oft repeated adage that new mothers are often told. This shows the importance of giving the due importance to your mental health as you prepare to take the responsibility of nurturing a new life. In fact, it also plays a role in conception of a child.

Over the last few years, several studies have established the link between improvement in the chances of pregnancy among couples who are in a good year space. This 2020 review study concluded that fertility rates in both males and females are adversely impacted by stress, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, eating disorders and addictions. Even among couples seeking assisted reproductive therapy, psychological interventions helped in improving the odds of getting pregnant according to a 2018 source: ResearchGate, [Study Title], 2018. 

What’s the link?

The mind-body connection and the presence of psychosomatic illnesses has been recognised by modern science. One’s thoughts, feelings and beliefs are closely linked to their physical health. Let’s try to understand a few factors that link mental health to fertility.

Menstrual cycle

No speech aspect of a woman’s life can remain unaffected by hormones. You must have noticed that stress has the ability to shift your menstrual cycle, making your periods arrive earlier or later than normal. Several mental health issues are linked to irregular periods and extreme weight loss or gain, which can create problems in ovulation. 

Effect on lifestyle

People who are in a bad mental place often indulge in behaviour that can lead to reduced chances of conception. First, they may not be too keen on physical intimacy. Besides, they would be either overeating or binging on junk food that can lead to weight gain. Conversely, they may not be taking care of themselves or their diets leading to weight loss. There’s also habits like smoking, drinking or even consuming too much caffeine, all of which are known to have a negative effect on one’s fertility. 

Effects of medicine

Many of the commonly used antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have side effects like decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and delayed ejaculation in men. They are also linked with increased levels of certain hormones that block ovulation. 

What’s the solution?

Now that we understand how mood disorders and mental health can impact one’s reproductive health, let us look at some solutions. Eliminating stress might sound like a simple instruction, but it’s not easy by any means. Here’s a few things that might help you in this task. 

Follow a schedule 

One way to ensure good mental health is to follow a schedule – eating, sleeping, exercising and doing other tasks at the same time every day. It also helps to get good sleep as sleep deprivation has been proven to have negative effects on one’s mood and mental health. It would even more beneficial if you could include being outdoors or among nature in your schedule.

Choose a healthy diet

Indulging in greasy or sweet junk food is a comfort we all seek, especially when suffering from a mood disorder. However, mindfully choosing healthier options for most mealtimes can help elevate one’s sense of wellbeing as well as in getting the right nutrition. It will also help to remind yourself that obesity will make getting and staying pregnant more difficult. 

Increase levels of physical activity

Exercise is known to induce secretion of happy hormones. It can thus help in decreasing stress as well as boosting fertility. Moderately strenuous activities like brisk walking and cycling up to five hours a week is the recommended amount of physical activity one must get. For women who are trying to conceive, vigorous exercises are not advisable. 

Bring the inner artist out

It has been proven that art has a way to heal one’s mental agony. Whether you make use of adult coloring books, mandala drawing, knitting or painting, they will help you relax. If you have the necessary talent, expressing yourself through music, poems or stories can also prove to be a cathartic experience.

Build a support network

This includes having family and friends around with whom you can openly discuss your feelings and thoughts. Alternatively, you could look out for volunteering opportunities or hobby groups around you as a way to participate in activities that will help increase your positive social interactions. 

Get therapy

If you still feel like you need more help, do not hesitate to get professional help from a therapist. A good counselor would be able to use behavioural therapies to help you address the problems causing the mood disorder. 

While you can’t always control the causes of the stress in your life, you can definitely control your reaction or response to it. This practice would be beneficial not just for when one is trying to conceive but will help create healthy coping mechanisms. Moreover, it would also help you be a better parent once your child arrives. 

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As a well-established and reputed cord blood bank in Singapore, Cryoviva offers a high-quality and world-class service to ensure you discover the benefits of umbilical cord stem cell storage and treatment. Contact us now or WhatsApp us on +65-8339 8482.