First came honeymoons, then babymoons (a pre-delivery couple’s getaway), and now conceptionmoons. Just what is this new trend? Yep—you guessed it; a conceptionmoon is a vacation designed for the sole purpose of conceiving a baby. While the concept may sound romantic, the real question is—does it actually work?
While there’s no hard evidence pointing to the effectiveness of conceptionmoons in terms of “delivering” (pardon the pun), many couples report that their conceptionmoon was the definitive answer to their fertility woes. And whether it’s the result of coaxing from friends, doctor’s orders, or simply a last-ditch effort, there’s no doubting the fact that conceptionmoons are becoming more and more popular amongst wanna-be parents.
Couples who did in fact hit the fertility jackpot during their conceptionmoons tend to attribute their success to factors such as being less stressed on their vacations and simply having more time and opportunity to be intimate. And research supports what these pioneers of the conceptionmoon are saying. According to a recent study, there is a direct connection between the immediate effects of stress on the body and a woman’s ability to conceive. In addition, the frequency of intercourse around the time of ovulation is a critical factor when it comes to determining whether or not you will conceive.
If this evidence is enough to have you dreaming of a fertility holiday, be sure to plan ahead. In addition to scheduling your conceptionmoon precisely around the time you’re most likely to be ovulating, you’ll need to take some additional steps to increase the chances that your time away with your spouse or significant other is worthwhile. For instance, be sure that the location you choose is one that is conducive to relaxation, like the beach or the mountains for instance. Also, be sure to plan travel arrangements, childcare, and work leave requests well in advance so that you’re not scrambling to get everything done at the last minute—remember, the idea is to be less stressed! Finally, be sure that you plan some relaxing activities to participate in while you’re away. Although the point of the vacation may lead you to believe that you should stay in your hotel room the entire time you’re away, focusing too much on the task at hand can add unnecessary pressure that can actually inhibit conception. Take this time to focus on each other—in and out of the bedroom—and let nature do the rest.