Women who keep getting negatives on a pregnancy test can become disheartened and confused as to why there is still no positive test. Becoming pregnant can take time, regardless of a woman’s age. However, women under the age of 35 who have been struggling to become pregnant for a year or more may have one of the following common problems.
Many women don’t realize, but stress can become a barrier to conception. Stress, whether good or bad, will take a toll on a woman’s body. In many cases, this can make getting pregnant more difficult. For some women, stress can even effect ovulation.
Many things can cause stress. For example, too little sleep, irregular meals, smoking or quitting smoking, or drinking too much alcohol can all raise cortisol levels. Exercising too little or too much can also increase stress levels.
Lack of sleep can have a significant effect on fertility. Research suggests that the hormones that trigger ovulation could be linked to the body’s sleep-wake patterns. For women, this means that insufficient sleep could have a negative impact on the release of luteinizing hormone (LH). This is the hormone which sparks ovulation and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle.
A good sleep cycle is important for women who are trying to become pregnant. Too much sleep can also upset the regular menstrual cycle. Aim for 8 hours each night, and try to go to bed and get up at around the same time every day.
Many women are uncertain about the rhythm of the menstrual cycle. The standard 28-day cycle doesn’t apply to all women. Each woman’s cycle may vary in length from 21-35 days.
Women who want to figure out the timing of an individual menstrual cycle should start counting from the end of the previous cycle. Day 1 will be the first day after that cycle ends. This will allow an individual to create a calendar of the specific menstrual cycle and calculate the window of ovulation.
As well as following the tips above, women can also boost the chances of becoming pregnant by maintaining a healthy diet. Getting a healthy amount of exercise every day also helps. Couples struggling with fertility can consult with a healthcare provider about lifestyle changes and treatment options.
