It has been shown time and time again that for some women stress can affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates some of the hormones that signals to the ovaries to release eggs every month, and therefore affect ovulation too. In some cases a woman under stress could ovulate less regularly, making it difficult to plan for the moment when they’re most fertile.
Research shows that stress can impact other aspects of fertility aside from ovulation, including issues with fertilization and implantation in the uterus. One study from the University of California San Diego even found that if women were stressed while going through IVF treatment they had less success in every step of their procedure (fewer eggs retrieved and fewer eggs successfully implanted) than women who were not as stressed.
For those that struggle with infertility, being unable to get pregnant when you want to can be a huge source of anxiety, stress and sometimes can even lead to depression. When practicing yoga you are much less anxious and your stress levels are reduced greatly.
Here are our top 3 picks for postures you can do at home to help increase your fertility:
Extended Triangle Pose
This pose can relieve stress and anxiety and help increase circulation to your pelvic area. It also creates space between your rib cage and pelvis by releasing tension in the waist as well as improve the function of your reproductive and digestive systems.
Child’s Pose
This pose can calm your nervous system, and it helps to reduce blood pressure. It is a pose that relaxes and calms your mind and body at the same time as lengthening your spine and reducing tension in your back and neck. Perform this pose with your knees apart giving lots of space for your belly to drop toward the floor with each inhale.
Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose
This pose increases blood supply to your pelvic area, can calm your mind and relieve those tired legs and feet. Make sure to focus on expanding your belly with each inhale, and it will help you soften the muscles of your vaginal wall and pelvic area. This is a favourite pose in our fertility yoga classes.
Please join us at our upcoming fertility yoga retreat. You can find out more information and register here.
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