A scientific study has shown for the first time that high stress levels may delay pregnancy. Oxford University experts measured stress hormones in women planning a baby naturally and found the most stressed had a reduced chance of becoming pregnant.

Relaxation might help some couples but more research is needed, they say. The study followed 274 healthy women aged 18-40 planning a pregnancy.

Age, smoking, obesity and alcohol are known to affect pregnancy success, but the influence of stress is less clear.

Markers for two stress hormones — adrenalin, the body’s fight or flight hormone, and cortisol, connected with chronic stress — were measured in saliva.

Women with the highest levels of alpha-amylase (an indicator of adrenalin levels) had about a 12% reduced chance of getting pregnant during their fertile days that month compared with those with the lowest levels of the marker.

No difference in the chance of becoming pregnant was found with cortisol. The researchers said their study was aimed to improve understanding of the factors that influence pregnancy in normal, healthy women.

The findings support the idea that couples should aim to stay as relaxed as they can about trying for a baby. “There are a number of ways in which women can prepare themselves for a healthy pregnancy — maintaining a healthy diet, taking folic acid supplements and keeping stress levels to a minimum is a good start.”
BBC