If you’re trying to conceive, it’s no secret that the process can be all-consuming. It almost seems impossible to stop obsessing over getting pregnant sometimes.
From tracking ovulation to taking prenatal vitamins, every decision and moment seems to revolve around getting pregnant.
But what happens when despite your best efforts, you just can’t seem to stop thinking about it?
When every conversation with friends or family turns into an opportunity for baby talk and even a trip down the baby aisle at the grocery store leaves you feeling emotional.
It’s tough – I know!
That’s why we’ve rounded up some tips and tricks for quieting that inner voice and finding balance during this time of intense anticipation.
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Understanding The Obsession To Get Pregnant
When trying to conceive, it’s common to become obsessed with getting pregnant.
The desire for a child can become all-consuming, and the pressure of the ticking biological clock only adds to the stress.
With every negative pregnancy test result, the panic starts in and you can’t think of anything else.
The truth is, however, that focusing only on getting pregnant isn’t a healthy way to live.
And understanding why this obsession happens can help you take steps toward managing it.
The main reason why we become obsessed with getting pregnant is the pressure we put on ourselves and sometimes, the pressure we feel from family and friends.
We set expectations for when we want to get pregnant and feel like failures if those timelines aren’t met.
Another issue is that for many women, the stress of infertility is the first time they don’t feel you have control of their bodies.
This can lead to stress and anxiety.
Whether it is your first month of trying to conceive or you are already working with medical professionals to get pregnant, stopping the obsessive thoughts will help you get your mind and body into a great place of peace and acceptance.
How To Stop Obsessing About Getting Pregnant
Below you will find some ideas for taking the pressure of your desire to get pregnant while staying sane!
1. Take a break from your TTC routine
If you’re always focused on your ovulation or making sure you’re doing everything right in terms of trying to conceive, it’s time to take a break.
Take back control of your body and stop worrying about your menstrual cycle or basal body temperature.
This is easier said than done for sure but if you are not currently going through infertility treatment, a break can be a great thing and sometimes has a positive outcome!
Throwing away the ovulation sticks for a month might seem like a big deal but sometimes taking a break can help you to get in a good place both mentally and emotionally.
Of course, keep taking your fertility vitamin supplements and stay healthy but spending a cycle or two not actively trying to get pregnant can really help put things into perspective.
2. Take up a new hobby or activity
One way to stop obsessing about getting pregnant is to take up a new hobby or activity.
Whether it’s painting, hiking, or joining a book club, finding something you enjoy can distract you from the constant worry of trying to conceive.
Not only does this give your mind a break, but learning something new can also boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Furthermore, taking up a new hobby or activity can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Stress is known to negatively impact fertility, so finding ways to relax and unwind can be beneficial for both your mental health and chances of conceiving.
Joining the gym or making other lifestyle changes such as following a fertility diet meal plan is a great way to spend time on something other than your TTC journey and also improve your fertility at the same time.
3. Spend time with friends and family
It’s easy to get lost in the world of fertility treatments and trying to conceive, but it’s important not to forget about the people who are already in your life.
Spending time with friends and family can be a great way to take your mind off of getting pregnant and enjoy some much-needed relaxation.
One way to spend quality time with loved ones is by organizing regular get-togethers.
This could be anything from a weekly dinner or movie night, to a monthly game night or brunch.
Not only does this give you something fun to look forward to, but it also allows you to build stronger relationships with those closest to you.
Another great way to spend time with friends and family is by taking part in activities together.
Whether it’s hiking, cooking classes, or even just going for a walk around the neighborhood, doing something active and engaging can help distract from obsessive thoughts about getting pregnant while also creating happy memories with loved ones that will last a lifetime.
4. Focus on self-care and relaxation
One of the best ways to stop obsessing about getting pregnant is by focusing on self-care and relaxation.
When you’re constantly worrying about whether or not you’ll conceive, it’s easy to become consumed by your thoughts and emotions. But taking time for yourself can help you feel more centered and balanced.
One way to practice self-care is by engaging in activities that you enjoy, such as reading a book, taking a long bubble bath, or going for a walk.
This can help distract you from your worries and give you a sense of peace and calm.
Another key aspect of self-care is getting enough restful sleep each night.
Lack of sleep can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and make it harder to cope with difficult emotions.
Make sure to prioritize getting at least seven hours of sleep each night – this will not only help your mental health but also support your overall physical wellness too!
5. Volunteer for a cause
One way to take your mind off getting pregnant is to volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about.
Not only will this give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment, but it can also help put things into perspective.
It’s easy to get caught up in our own struggles and forget that there are so many people out there who are dealing with their own challenges.
Whether it’s volunteering at a local animal shelter, working with children in need, or helping out at a community center, there are so many opportunities to make a difference.
And when you’re focused on something outside of yourself, it can be easier to let go of the stress and anxiety that comes with trying to conceive.
Of course, volunteering won’t magically make all your worries disappear.
But it can be an important part of taking care of yourself during this difficult time. Plus, knowing that you’re doing something good for others can be incredibly rewarding – and who knows? You might even discover a new passion along the way!
6. Start a side hustle or project
Starting a side hustle or project can be an excellent way to take your mind off of obsessing over getting pregnant.
The key is to find something that you’re passionate about and that you enjoy doing.
This could be anything from starting a blog about getting pregnant to creating an Etsy shop selling handmade goods. By focusing on something other than trying to conceive, you’ll likely feel less stressed and more fulfilled.
7. Get support
Many infertile women keep their TTC difficulties to themselves but leaning on others for emotional support may be just what you need.
Talking to friends and family members who may have struggled with fertility issues before can be a great source of comfort and advice as well as helping you to not feel as alone.
Of course, if you feel that you need it, a fertility expert or coach can also be a great option for helping you with this part of your life.
Another option is to look for fertility groups in your area. I found that joining a support group of other women who were going through the same thing as me really helpful.
8. Try not to compare
Pregnancy is such a personal journey and what works for one person may not work for another.
It’s easy to become fixated with what other people are doing, but ultimately their journey is not yours.
Constantly comparing your journey to others will only add to your stress and anxiety, so try to accept your path and focus on the things you can control.
One tip I have to stop obsessing over getting pregnant is to take a break from social media.
It can be a minefield of pregnant people, baby showers and new mother groups that it is often a place of intense psychological stress for many women.
9. Practice mindfulness
Activities like meditation, fertility yoga or breathing exercises can help to calm and quiet your mind.
It’s easy to let thoughts run rampant in your mind, but by slowing down and focusing on the present moment, you can start to break the cycle of obsessing over getting pregnant.
Journalling is another good idea if you are having a hard time getting pregnant.
Spend some time every evening jotting down your thoughts and feelings so that they don’t control your life during the days or cause anxiety at night.
10. Strengthen Your Relationship
One of the most challenging aspects of trying to conceive is dealing with the stress and anxiety that can come with it.
It is important to stop obsessing over getting pregnant because it can lead to tension and strain in a relationship.
Remember that fertility struggles are common and not a reflection of personal failure.
One way to strengthen your relationship during this time is to communicate openly and honestly about your feelings and concerns.
This includes acknowledging any frustration or disappointment, as well as sharing moments of hope and positivity. Setting realistic expectations for conception timelines can also help alleviate pressure.
Another helpful strategy is to prioritize quality time together that doesn’t revolve solely around baby-making efforts.
Whether it’s scheduling date nights or engaging in shared hobbies, taking intentional breaks from the fertility journey can provide much-needed relaxation and connection between partners.
Overall, prioritizing communication, managing expectations, and finding ways to nurture your relationship outside of conception efforts can help strengthen your bond during this trying time.
Here are 4 Ways to Boost Intimacy and Connection with Your Partner
- Schedule date nights and special outings
- Experiment with new ways of communicating and expressing affection
- Take a break from baby-making sex and just focus on pleasure
- Seek out couples’ therapy or support groups to strengthen your relationship
11. Remember that having a child is not the only source of happiness
I know, you want to be a pregnant person and you want to become one right now.
Just bear in mind that having a child is not the only way to experience happiness and while TTC is the main thing in your life right now, obsessing about it can have a negative impact on other areas of your life.
It’s okay to have other goals and dreams, such as traveling the world or advancing your career.
There is no one definition of a fulfilling life, so take the time to explore what brings you joy.
How To Stop Obsessing About Getting Pregnant: Final Thoughts
If you are experiencing fertility problems, it can really become all-consuming.
You spend the whole two-week wait looking for early pregnancy symptoms and hoping for a positive pregnancy test.
If month after month, you get disappointed, it can really cause chronic stress that makes it hard to think of anything else.
Embracing your journey is an essential step towards finding peace and happiness when trying to conceive.
It is important to remember that every woman’s journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Rather than obsessing over getting pregnant or feeling inadequate if it doesn’t happen right away, focus on enjoying the process of trying.
