For years, the association between infertility and stress has been debated. Elevated depression levels are usually reported in women who are diagnosed with infertility issues. This makes it clear that infertility is a reason behind stress. However, it is not completely clear whether or not stress causes infertility in females.
Fertility with stress is complicated
There is no denying the fact that infertility is usually a silent struggle. Women who are trying for months and years to conceive report feelings of isolation, depression, loss of control, and anxiety. In fact, studies have shown that the depression levels in women with infertility are as much as that in patients who have been diagnosed with severe and debilitating health conditions like cancer treated by our best infertility doctor in gurgaon.
Since biblical times, it has been hypothesised that stress causes infertility in females. However, the question is: does stress cause infertility in females, or does infertility cause stress? The answer so far is not crystal clear and it will not be wrong to say that the relationship between infertility and distress may demonstrate a clear cause and effect association.
How does stress cause infertility? Can stress cause permanent infertility? More and more research in the recent past seems to confirm that there is an association between anxiety, stress, depression, and infertility. First, you are more likely to avoid sex when stressed out – an obvious fertility derailment. Second, you are more likely to engage in binge drinking and smoking, both of which are known to the biggest contributors to impact conception.
For some women, ovulation can be impacted by chronic stress, and women who are constantly under stress are likely to ovulate less. This makes it extremely difficult to plan a baby and make for the best time when they are most fertile.
Studies have demonstrated that stress is likely to have a huge impact on the critical aspects of fertility other than ovulation. This may include complications with fertilisation and implantation in the female uterus. However, stress does not cause permanent infertility.
Signs of stress during pregnancy
Some of the signs and symptoms of stress during pregnancy include:
-
Grinding of teeth
-
Headaches
-
Stomach upset
-
Increase in the levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol
-
Heart palpitations or an increase in heart rate
-
Difficulty sleeping
-
Difficulty concentrating
-
Overeating
-
Excessive fatigue
-
Loss of interest in social activities
-
Feelings of anger, sadness, worry, or frustration
-
Feeling scared to be alone or an excessive need to be around others
How stress can affect sleep and Pregnancy?
Chronic stress during pregnancy can have a negative impact on your well-being and health, and that of the unborn baby. In rare circumstances, it can lead to low birth weight, preterm birth, and even behavioural and sleep disorders in young children. In women, stress during pregnancy can result in muscle tension, high blood pressure, digestive issues, sleep disorders, and mood swings.
Pregnancy and Emotional Eating
Apart from normal appetite, people tend to eat more due to stress, spiritual emptiness, fear, boredom, happiness, and loneliness. During pregnancy, emotional hunger can draw women into a cycle in which overeating is triggered by emotions, overeating triggers emotions, and so on. Women tend to eat when they are stressed and end up gaining too much weight. Thereafter, they feel stressed as they are gaining too much weight and eat even more.
Impact of stress on diet and exercise
Stress has a differential impact on adoption, maintenance, and relapse of exercise and workout sessions. It triggers the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, and elevated cortisol levels can impact a wide range of bodily processes, such as emotional stability and metabolism.
Excess production of cortisol by the body is often associated with health complications like hormonal imbalances, fertility problems, weight gain, depression, and anxiety – all of which can impact diet and exercise. It may also interfere with digestion and mood, hence contributing to carbohydrate and sugar cravings.
Takeaway
The effects of stress during pregnancy on the body should never be taken lightly.
At Prime IVF Centre, the best infertility centre in gurgaon, our teams of medical professionals offer the best pregnancy care tips and suggestions so you can improve your peace of mind and conceive without any issue.
