Relax your way to a successful IVF pregnancy

• MENTAL STATE & IVF SUCCESS Women who worry about the medical interventions involved in IVF (e.g. side effects, surgery, anaesthesia) or the financial implications (cost, loss of work) are less likely to become pregnant than women who are less concerned. Women with medical concerns had 20% fewer eggs retrieved, and 19% fewer eggs fertilised. Those who were very concerned about missing work had 30% fewer eggs fertilised, and those who were very concerned about cost were more likely to miscarry. (Fertility and Sterility, Vol. 81, Issue 4, Pages 982-988 (April 2004).

• Acupressure can help: The good news is that acupressure applied to special points on the ears has been demonstrated to significantly reduce anxiety levels. Other things that can help with stress relief include herbs, meditation, biofeedback nutrition and yoga. Kober A, et.al. Auricular acupressure as a treatment for anxiety in prehospital transport settings. Anesthesiology. 2003 Jun;98(6):1328-32.