There’s a good chance you already know that mind-body practices, like yoga, can help to relieve stress. But you might not know that mind-body practices may also increase your chances of conceiving.
In one of Dr. Alice Domar’s studies, 52% of women undergoing IVF who participated in a mind-body group conceived, compared to just 20% of the women in the control group.
In a different study, women diagnosed with infertility (some of whom were undergoing various forms of medical assistance and others who were not) who had been trying to conceive for one to two years were randomized to one of three groups: a cognitive behavioral group, a support group, and a routine care control group.
The cognitive behavioral group received “relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, methods for emotional expression, and nutrition and exercise information as they apply to infertility. The relaxation techniques included meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, imagery, autogenic training, and yoga.”
At the end of the year, 55% of the participants in the cognitive behavioral group and 54% of the participants in the support group conceived. The control group? Only 20% of them conceived.
Ready to see what yoga can do for you on your fertility journey?
On Monday, March 31, 2025 at 6:30 pm CT, I will be leading a live fertility yoga session. During the 45 minute live Zoom session, I will guide you through fertility-supporting yoga poses, mindful breathing, and a brief visualization to quiet your mind, calm your nervous system, and help you connect with your body.
The 45-minute session will begin with a brief intro, followed by a 30-minute fertility yoga class (the sequence is appropriate for all phases of the cycle and phases of ART). We'll end our time together with a quick Q&A. All levels are welcome. No experience is needed.
No mat, no problem. A rug or a carpeted area are great options to provide a bit of cushioning. No additional props are necessary but feel free to have a sweatshirt or sweater, blankets, towels, cushions, pillows, etc. handy to make yourself comfortable.
While I would love to see you, there's no pressure to have your camera on during the class. Please do what feels best to you. This is your practice.