As this hideous and worrying year limps on, many of us have noticed our mental healthdeteriorating, while others have seen existing issues with anxiety and depression worsen. It makes total sense, the news cycle is relentless and traumatic. But knowing your fears are legit doesn’t make them any easier to navigate. On top of everything, some people’s life plans have gone out of the window. For some, the pandemic has meant delaying when they would have started a family. For others, it’s made them worry whether the stress of everything will mean they will struggle to get pregnant.
Anxiety shouldn’t stop you from getting pregnant.
Our scrolling and Google search habits can tell us so much about the mood of a country, and research by sanitary brand Lil-Lets has found anxiety related terms peaked around February 2020, when the threat of a national lockdown was imminent, with searches rising 200% this year for ‘Can Anxiety stop you getting pregnant?’
There was also a 350% rise in people searching for whether pregnancy can help anxiety, a 233% rise in search for pregnancy anxiety about a baby's health and 100% rise in search around pregnancy nesting anxiety.
So, we asked experts to explain whether the stress of this year could in any way affect your chances of getting pregnant, the pregnancy or the unborn baby’s health.
Can Anxiety stop you getting pregnant?
Doctor Giuseppe Aragona, GP and Medical Advisor at Prescription Doctor, says: ‘No, anxiety shouldn’t stop you from getting pregnant. In theory if you are having sexual intercourse with your partner regularly then there is a likely chance that you will become pregnant, however if a person is suffering with severe anxiety and stress this could potentially affect your ability to conceive. Anxiety won’t stop you getting pregnant, but it could be a contributing factor as to why you might be finding it difficult to conceive.
'If anxiety and stress is left untreated then it could have a detrimental effect on the baby because the baby depends on its mother for its growth and wellbeing. However, a mother's anxiety is highly unlikely to directly affect the baby, because it a mental health issue as oppose to physical. However if severe anxiety is left untreated it could cause potential physical issues on the mother and baby if they stop eating, become malnourished and generally aren’t taking care of themselves physically.'
Doctor Jessica Shepherd says: ‘Anxiety will not prevent them from getting pregnant but it can impact how quickly one can get pregnant and also impact the actual pregnancy.’
Can anxiety affect the baby’s health if you are pregnant?
Dr Aragons says: ‘It is very unlikely that your baby will be affected by your anxiety, however if you are worried it is a good idea to speak to your GP and midwife, as they will be able to offer support and allow you peace of mind. Many women feel anxious during pregnancy and even more so at the moment due to the current pandemic, and this will make you worry that anxiety is affecting your baby, so you become even more anxious. It is best to try and get your anxiety under control, and there are lots of ways of doing this.’
What advice do you give to women who are worrying?
Dr Aragons says: ‘The best advice I can give is to allow yourself to feel this way, it is completely normal to feel worried and anxious during pregnancy – and even more so at the moment. Confide and seek support in trusted friends, family and your partner. Seek help from your GP or midwife, they may be able to offer support, advice and possible medication. Cognitive behaviour therapy can be helpful, as well as counselling. Other things like prenatal yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, group prenatal sessions and enjoying a warm bath with essential oils may help to ease any feelings of anxiety. I would also avoid reading the news too often, as this may trigger anxiety.’
Dr Shephard adds: ‘For women trying to get pregnant and are anxious to try de stress activities such as meditation, yoga and also tuning into a therapist that will help immensely. Mindfulness is important, seeing a doctor that will help alleviate stress and possibly starting on anti anxiety meds.’
Doctor Giuseppe Aragona, GP and Medical Advisor at Prescription Doctor. www.prescriptiondoctor.com
Things You Only Know If...
Things You Only Know If...
1 of 19Things You Only Know If You've Experienced Post-Adoption Grief
When Claire Moruzzi, 39, gave birth to her son, it unlocked unpacked painful feelings about her own adoption.
2 of 19Things You Only Know If You have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Jessica Evans reflects on the condition that affects one in 10 of us but is rarely talked about.
3 of 19Things You Only Know If You're The Other Mother
If your partner carried your children, what does that make you? Jen Brister tells Grazia about life in a two-mum family.
4 of 19Things You Only Know If Your Marriage Lasts Less Than A Year
The wedding was amazing but a Band-Aid Big Day couldn't save the relationship – and so an embarrassingly short marriage ensued.
5 of 19Things You Only Know If You Walk Away From A Six-Figure Salary Job
As new figures reveal that record numbers are now 'overeducated' for their jobs, Lil Caldwell, 37, explains why swapping the law for floristry was her best decision yet.
6 of 19Things You Only Know If: You're The Only Muslim In The Village
When Ayisha Malik moved to Dorset, she braced herself for reactions to her hijab. And was surprised at what she found.
7 of 19Things You Only Know If: You're Going Through The Menopause At 30
A medical breakthrough now means the menopause could be delayed for 20 years. It's come too late for dancer Lindsay McAllister.
8 of 19Things You Only Know If: You've Finally Conquered Your Alcohol Problem
When Catherine Renton chose to end her damaging relationship with booze, she lost friends, too. She reflects on the decision that changed her life.
9 of 19Things You Only Know If You've Been On 100 First Dates
Charly Lester, 35, challenged herself to go on 30 blind dates before turning 30. Then things snowballed.
10 of 19Things You Only Know If: You've Gone From Committed Singleton To 'Basic Bride'
'Suddenly, I want all the things I used to roll my eyes at: the dress, the flowers, the inexplicably expensive cake. There is a new and very loud voice in my head, it insists that this is my special day, I'm a f**king princess and I should have exactly what I want'
11 of 19Things You Only Know If You Don't Have A Girl Gang
As a child, Amy Jones looked forward to the day she'd find her squad. No 29, she's still wondering where it is.
12 of 19Things You Only Know If Your Babies Arrive 10 Weeks Early
After her twin daughters arrived at 29 weeks, Francesca Segal spent 56 days with them at the neonatal intensive care ward - an experience that changed her forever.
13 of 19Things You Only Know If… You Live With Your Parents At 29
Anna Behrmann, 29, moved back home to save money. It's had its ups and downs.
14 of 19Things You Only Know If You Earn Significantly Less Than Your Friends
After losing her job 31-year-old Olivia Foster found out the uncomfortable truth about what it means to be the broke friend.
15 of 19Things You Only Know If You're Living With M.E.
When Hollie Brooks found herself so weak she couldn't even dress herself, she knew something was desperately wrong. To mark the end of ME Awareness Week, she tells her story.
_1024_Widthjpg.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
16 of 19Things You Only Know If You're Plus-Size And Online Dating
From men who think they're doing you a favour, to feeders who fetishise your body.
17 of 19Things You Only Know If You Gave Up Your Job To Follow Your Partner Abroad
'On bad days it could feel a bit 1950s'
18 of 19Things You Only Know If You've Chosen To Have A Baby Alone
Aged 37 and single, Genevieve Roberts decided to become a mum with the help of a sperm donor.
19 of 19Things You Only Know If You're An Adult Orphan
Emily Dean lost her parents and sister in the space of three years - and changed her whole life as a result.