What you can do differently in 2026 to fall pregnant: focusing on your mental & emotional health
If you’ve been trying to conceive for some time, chances are you’ve already done the work on the physical side: your diet, supplements, environment, exercise. You’re thinking about sleep, toxin exposure, hormone health, cycle tracking. All of that is important (and you’re doing GREAT).
But one piece that often goes under‑noticed is the mental and emotional side of fertility: stress, anxiety, trauma, waiting, uncertainty. And in 2026, that piece deserves your loving attention.
Why the mental/emotional side matters
Even when physical factors are optimised, the journey of trying to conceive (TTC) and especially working with assisted reproduction (like IVF) brings an emotional load: hope, fear, grief, waiting, disappointment.
Stress and anxiety don’t automatically block pregnancy, but they impact your quality of life, how you cope with treatment, and your overall nervous system balance, which in turn affects your fertility journey.
In 2026, you can choose to see the mental/emotional work not as “extra” but as integral. When you feel calmer, safer, and more supported, your body can function more optimally and your hormones can regulate more gently.
What to focus on this year: mental & emotional toolkit
Here are practical areas to focus on — pick two or three to commit to, rather than trying to fix everything at once.
1. Nervous system regulation
Recognise that your nervous system (the “rest/digest” vs “fight/freeze/fawn” modes) is a key player in fertility.
Practice simple regulation tools: breathing exercises (e.g., box breathing), gentle movement, nature walks, or mindful pauses.
Build micro-moments of rest: even 5 minutes of guided breathing or a short body scan before bed can make a difference.
2. Managing expectations, waiting & uncertainty
The TTC/IVF journey is often unpredictable. Thoughts like “When will this happen?” or “What if it doesn’t?” can feed anxiety.
Work on emotional resilience rather than trying to eliminate uncertainty. This could include journaling your fears and hopes or having a clear plan for different scenarios.
3. Self-compassion & rewiring inner dialogue
Trying to conceive can bring shame, guilt, or comparison. Practice self-compassion: notice negative thoughts and replace them with kinder, supportive statements.
Example: replace “Why isn’t it happening yet?” with “I am doing all I can and I am worthy no matter the outcome.”
4. Connection & supportive community
Connect with people who understand the journey: women in TTC, those doing IVF, or others who have experienced fertility challenges.
Consider joining online communities, fertility-specific counselling, or safe peer support networks.
5. Integrating mind + body practices
Combine your existing physical fertility work with mental and emotional care. For example:
Pause before cycle tracking or appointments to reflect on your emotions.
After a scan or treatment, practice grounding rituals like a short walk, tea, or journaling.
Australian & online resources to support stress & anxiety
Here are trusted Australian and online resources designed to help you manage the emotional ups and downs of trying to conceive or undergoing IVF:
Knocked up: the podcast about fertility and women’s health – Australian-based, offering accessible conversations on fertility and women’s health, including emotional aspects, led by experts at Women’s Health Melbourne. Available on Apple Podcasts.
Fertility collective – An online membership platform offering holistic support: mindset guidance, community connection, breathwork, fertility-friendly movement, and 24/7 access to experts.
Circle & bloom – Fertility meditations, imagery, and visualisations specifically designed for IVF by Jackie Brown. These guided sessions help calm the nervous system and support emotional wellbeing throughout fertility treatment.
Apps for guided relaxation & mindfulness –
FertileMind – Designed for fertility challenges such as infertility, PCOS, or endometriosis, it includes mindfulness practices and breathing exercises specifically for lowering anxiety and supporting emotional wellbeing during the fertility journey.
Mindful IVF – Created for those undergoing IVF, this app offers guided meditations for key phases such as the 2-week wait, frozen embryo transfer cycles, and more.
Fertility is never just biology. It’s body + mind + heart + rhythm + life. In 2026, you can choose to treat the mental and emotional side of your journey as just as important as the physical.
By giving yourself permission to rest, process emotions, and lean into support, you create a container of inner stability that your body and your fertility can lean into.
You are worthy of care, rest, and compassion. Make that a core part of your fertility strategy this year.