Taking it Easy (When Trying to Conceive)

By Megan Potter

Test tubes, foot stirrups, thermometers, calendars, "specimen" containers and sex schedules. It sounds oh, so romantic, doesn't it? And of course, a romantic environment is a stress-free environment, right?

Don't we all know that is simply not the truth? Trying to get pregnant can be one of the most stressful events of a lifetime. Of course the stress and emotional roller coaster of the questions (Am I ovulating? Did we do it in time? Can we afford this? Will it work? and more) can leave a wake of fallen comrades, made up of your friends and family, who have born the blunt end of a bad day, week or month.

It's no good feeling guilty about it now. It won't change the fact that we've been out of line every now and then. All you can do is apologize, move on and, well, of course, learn how to not have it happen again. Or at least not quite so often.

There is nothing we can do about the stress levels of the circumstances, and I'm sure the doctors are doing their best to make it easy on us. So what are we going to do about it? Here's a tip: take a break. No, I don't mean pick yourself up a Kit Kat bar (although, if it works for you...). I mean take it easy; allot some time for you.

Go for a long walk in a beautiful park. Or pop some popcorn and snuggle up with your favorite blanket and a nice romantic movie. My all time favorite is a good book, a hot bath with a nice smelling additive and tons of candles. Oh, and of course, a locked door. Whatever it is that mellows you out should be a regularly visited event. The only requirements are that it's a time dedicated just to you, it 's relaxing and it has no baby-related conversation or thinking. That's not to say your significant other can't join in; by all means, bring him along. As long as he knows the rules, there's no reason you can't relax together.

Stress is not only hard on our emotions, but it's hard on our bodies, too. It affects your sleeping and eating patterns over time. Too long without a break and it eventually starts to wear down on the body's other cycles and patterns. In fact, studies have shown that taking 10 minutes a day to engage in a relaxing activity, such as prayer or meditation, can increase your overall health. So, don't start feeling guilty for spoiling yourself. Simply tell yourself, and others, that you are "taking it easy" for your mental and physical well being.