Shifting Your Focus When TTC

When you are trying to conceive (TTC), it can be difficult to focus on anything else. But focusing elsewhere can reduce stress and help you get pregnant.

If you and your partner want a baby, it can consume your mind. You may find yourself thinking only of being pregnant and cuddling a sweet baby. Your Facebook seems to be flooded with pictures of everyone celebrating their little ones, and you seem to notice babies everywhere you go.

All of this is multiplied if you are struggling with infertility. Infertility can make you feel added pressure to get pregnant, and there’s always that lingering thought in the back of your mind that it may never happen.

All of this stress can be counterproductive when TTC. It’s better to shift your focus and get your mind off trying to get pregnant. That old wives’ tale is actually true: once you stop thinking about it, it usually happens.

Do Some Research

Getting pregnant should be easy, right? There’s actually more to it than many people think. Many couples do not get pregnant on the first try or even during the first six months. Some couples take up to twelve months to get pregnant. Give yourself a refresher on how the human reproductive system works. It may ease your mind to understand exactly what is going on.

Focus on Other Activities

One of the best ways to get your mind off things is to focus on something else. Do something you enjoy or take up a new hobby. Try to keep yourself busy. If you are too busy having fun, you won’t be thinking so much about having a baby.

It is also a good idea to spend time with your friends, particularly those who don’t have children. Good friends can take your mind off your worries and can help ease the pressure.

Exercise

Exercise has many benefits while you are TTC. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and can help you think of things other than trying to conceive. It can also help get your body in shape and ready to carry a baby.

You can do almost any type of exercise that interests you: running, cardio, yoga, etc. However, you do want to be wary of too much exercise. If you are pushing your body too hard or losing too much weight, you could actually be making it more difficult for you to conceive.

Take a Break

Sometimes the best thing you can do is to take a break. Quit trying and focus on other areas of your life, such as your job or your friends. If you have the means, take a vacation.

You don’t have to stop having unprotected sex with your partner, but only do it when you want to, not because you are ovulating. Many couples say they got pregnant not long after they stopped trying.

Don’t Neglect Your Partner While TTC

One of the biggest pitfalls many couples encounter while trying to conceive is neglecting their partners. It is easy to get so wrapped up in trying to have a baby that you forget about the person you love.

Remember to spend time with your partner and talk about things other than babies. Try to set up a weekly date night where you focus only on each other.

Get Help

If the stress of TTC is beginning to affect your everyday life, it may be time to seek professional help. There are therapists and support groups to help you work through it all. Sometimes a professional can help you find a new perspective.

It is also important to talk with your doctor if you feel that you may struggle with infertility. Your doctor can help you figure out the next steps to help you get pregnant. Taking a proactive approach to getting pregnant can make you feel less helpless. A little bit of control can really help with stress management.

TTC should be an exciting time in your life, but if it’s not happening quickly enough, it can become stressful. Remember to take time for yourself and your relationship to help shift your mindset. Maintaining a positive attitude can help increase your fertility.