Why Your Body Says "Not Now" to Pregnancy (And It's Not What You Think)
by Dr. Aumatma, a double board-certified Naturopathic Endocrinologist and founder of the Holistic Fertility Institute
Published June 30, 2025.
If you've been trying to conceive for a while, you've probably heard the advice to "just relax" more times than you can count. Maybe someone suggested you take a vacation, do more yoga, or stop "trying so hard."
If you're anything like my patients, this advice probably made you want to throw something.
The Hidden Truth About Modern Fertility
After 20 years as a naturopathic fertility specialist, I've noticed something fascinating. According to the World Health Organization, 17.5% of adults now struggle with infertility. That's one in six couples asking themselves, "What am I doing wrong?"
But what if we're asking the wrong questions entirely?
The couples who get pregnant most easily aren't necessarily the most zen or relaxed. They're the ones whose bodies feel genuinely supported at a cellular level. There's a huge difference between surface-level calm and deep, physiological safety.
Your Body's Secret Intelligence
Here's what nobody talks about: Your body can't tell the difference between running from danger and running on four hours of sleep to meet a deadline. Both signal threat, and both trigger the same protective response.
Your reproductive system is constantly eavesdropping on your life, listening to how you treat yourself, whether you're getting enough rest, proper nutrition, and genuine support. When your body senses scarcity – whether that's time, energy, or emotional bandwidth – it makes a logical decision: "Maybe now isn't the best time for a baby."
This isn't your body being difficult. It's your body being incredibly smart.
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The Real Fertility Disruptors
Forget about "being too stressed." The real fertility blockers are things like:
- Chronic sleep deprivation (even just one hour less than you need)
- Irregular eating patterns that spike blood sugar
- Pushing through exhaustion instead of resting
- Working in environments that constantly drain your energy
These aren't "stress" problems – they're safety problems. Research shows that even mild sleep deprivation can reduce fertility hormones by 30%. Your body registers each of these as a signal that conditions aren't optimal for creating new life.
What Actually Works
Instead of trying to force your body into pregnancy, what if you focused on creating the conditions where pregnancy feels natural and safe?
The couples in my practice who conceive most easily prioritize consistent sleep schedules, eat regular nourishing meals, and treat their bodies like they're already caring for someone precious – because they are.
This isn't about perfection or becoming a wellness guru. It's about honoring the incredible intelligence of your reproductive system.
A Different Question
So instead of asking "Why can’t I get pregnant?" try asking "What does my body need to feel ready?" This simple shift in perspective can change everything about how you approach your fertility journey.
Your body isn't betraying you – it's trying to protect you and your future baby by waiting for optimal conditions.
Ready to Learn the Complete Framework?
I recently shared this revolutionary approach to fertility in my TEDx talk, where I dive deep into the science behind why our bodies make these protective decisions and share practical tools for creating the internal safety your body craves.
If you're tired of fighting against your body and ready to work with its natural wisdom instead, watch my TEDx talk "Fertility Secrets: Understanding Your Body's Wisdom" here. You'll discover why conventional fertility advice often backfires and learn what actually creates the conditions for easeful conception.
