What the research actually shows about stress and fertility, how your nervous system responds to demands, and where chiropractic care does — and doesn't — fit in.
Stress may play a role in how long it takes to get pregnant. But fertility is about much more than stress, and you shouldn't blame yourself if pregnancy doesn't happen right away.
If you're thinking about starting a family, you've probably already thought about nutrition, prenatal vitamins, timing and all the things you can do to prepare your body for pregnancy.
But what about stress?
It's a fair question. Research suggests that certain biological markers associated with stress may be linked to a longer time to conceive. That doesn't mean stress causes infertility, but it gives us another reason to pay attention to how we're taking care of ourselves.
As a chiropractor who works with families, I spend a lot of time thinking about how the nervous system helps the body respond to everyday demands. Here's what I think couples should understand about stress, the nervous system and preparing for pregnancy.
Your nervous system helps your body respond to challenges and return to a state of rest and recovery.
When you experience stress, your body activates systems that help you respond to that demand. That's a normal and necessary response. The goal isn't to eliminate stress completely. It's to have ways to recover from it.
The 2014 Human Reproduction Study
In a 2014 study published in Human Reproduction, researchers followed 401 women who were trying to conceive. They measured stress-related biological markers in saliva.
Women with the highest levels of a marker called salivary alpha-amylase had approximately 29% lower odds of becoming pregnant per cycle and about twice the risk of infertility, based on the study's definition.
Those findings are interesting, but there's an important distinction: the study found an association. It did not prove that stress caused difficulty conceiving.
Fertility is influenced by many factors, including age, ovulation, reproductive health and sperm health. Stress may be one piece of the picture, but it isn't the whole picture.
We don't know for sure.
Research on psychological support for people experiencing infertility suggests that it can help reduce emotional distress. Some research also suggests possible benefits for conception, but the evidence is mixed.
We cannot conclude that calming your nervous system will make you pregnant.
What we can say is that taking care of your overall health matters. And trying to conceive can be an emotionally demanding season of life.
Here are a few places to start:
Give your body a consistent opportunity to rest and recover.
Find activities you enjoy and can maintain.
Time outdoors, quiet moments, mindfulness or counseling may help you manage everyday stress.
Trying to conceive can put pressure on both partners. Make time for connection that isn't centered on ovulation dates or pregnancy tests.
Talk with your healthcare provider about preconception health, medications, supplements and any concerns about fertility.
You don't have to do all of these perfectly. Start with the areas where you need the most support.
In our office, we look at how the body moves and functions, including musculoskeletal concerns that may affect comfort and daily activities.
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for certain musculoskeletal concerns, but it has not been shown to treat infertility or increase pregnancy rates.
I don't want couples to confuse supporting their general health with treating a fertility problem. Those are two different things.
If you're preparing for pregnancy, chiropractic care can be one consideration for your musculoskeletal health. Your OB/GYN, physician or fertility specialist is the right person to help evaluate concerns about conception.
If you're trying to conceive and pregnancy isn't happening, don't assume stress is the problem.
Under 35
Seek evaluation after 12 months of trying
35 or older
Seek evaluation after 6 months of trying
Sooner if…
Over 40, irregular or absent periods, or a known reproductive health concern
Both partners may need evaluation. You don't have to wait until you've exhausted every lifestyle change before asking for help.
You can't control every part of the journey to parenthood. But you can take steps to support your health, seek appropriate care and give yourself room to navigate the process.
My advice is simple: take care of yourself, pay attention to what your body needs, and get good guidance when you need it.
You don't have to eliminate stress to be ready for pregnancy. And if conception takes longer than expected, it isn't your fault for being stressed.
Thinking about starting a family? Talk with your healthcare provider about preparing for pregnancy. If you have questions about chiropractic care and your musculoskeletal health during the preconception period, our team at New Directions Chiropractic in Allen, Texas, is happy to help you understand where we may fit into your care.
New Directions Chiropractic
107 Suncreek Dr., Suite 400
Allen, TX
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214-215-4119Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Chiropractic care has not been established as a treatment for infertility or as a way to increase pregnancy rates. Consult your healthcare provider about preconception care and fertility concerns.
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