Trying to conceive

The uncertainty of how long it may take to conceive can bring feelings of pressure, stress, and worry.  Many people swing between excitement and anxiety, which is a completely normal part of the journey.

It helps to acknowledge your feelings rather than pushing them aside. At the same time, focusing on activities you enjoy, as well as staying connected with loved ones, can restore balance and perspective.

Yes, many people can feel pressured when others ask questions or make assumptions about having a family. Setting gentle boundaries and deciding how much you want to share can reduce stress and protect your privacy.

Having honest conversations about hopes and worries makes the process feel less isolating. Couples often find it helpful to spend time together on non-baby-related activities to maintain a balanced relationship.

Try to focus on small daily routines that make you feel good, like creative or social hobbies, or exercise. Reminding yourself that many couples need time to conceive can also help reduce self-imposed pressure.

COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence) is a not-for-profit organisation and Australian’s peak body for perinatal mental health that provides evidence-based information, best practice resources, and pathways to care to support the emotional and mental health and wellbeing of Australian families during pregnancy, in early parenthood, and while trying to conceive.

Yes – it’s very common to experience feelings of worry, sadness, frustration or even jealously when pregnancy doesn’t happen straight away. COPE’s resources are designed to help you understand these feelings and know you’re not alone.

If you have been have trying to conceive for a year (or for six months if you’re over 35 years of age) without success, it’s a good idea to speak with your GP or a fertility specialist for assessment and advice.

Many people may experience feelings of grief, anxiety, guilt, jealously and overwhelm during infertility investigations or IVF. Strain on relationships – with partners, or family and friends – can also occur. COPE provides information plus free and anonymous self‑checks that can help identify symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression at this time.

You can search the COPE Directory for health professionals with perinatal mental health expertise, along with relevant services and organisations across Australia who specialise in fertility, pregnancy loss and perinatal mental health support.

COPE’s self‑checks are free and anonymous online questionnaires that may help identify symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression on the path of parenthood, and guide you to additional information and support should your results indicate that this may be helpful.

You can help by listening without judgement, acknowledging their grief, avoid providing unsolicited advice, and encouraging them to access COPE’s evidence-based information and resources or to seek professional support or if they feel overwhelmed.

No - COPE’s information and resources are designed to enhance your understanding of the changes and challenges you may experience of the path of parenthood, and support your emotional wellbeing, This information should not be a replacement for personalised medical advice from your GP, fertility specialist, mental health professional, or other qualified health professional.

If worries about conceiving are causing ongoing conflict, withdrawal from your partner, family or friends, impacting your sleep, appetite, or your interest in usual activities, it’s important to talk with your GP or a mental health professional. You can also find help and support via the COPE Directory.

Yes – COPE’s information, self‑checks and Directory of accredited health professional are freely available to anyone who is trying to conceive, whether you are just starting to plan a pregnancy or are already going through tests or treatment for infertility.