Training and conception

Hi doctors,

My wife and I have been trying for a baby for just over a year. We’ve both been to a fertility clinic and seem to be healthy fertility-wise.

We were wondering if training, particularly my wife’s, could be having an influence on our ability to conceive.

While not competitive, she has been following programmes like the Bridge 3.0 and has been making regular PRs on the main lifts. Are you aware of any research that could suggest that pushing the body to make strength improvements like this could hinder conception?

Do you think changing her training to try to maintain her current level rather than increasing her strength would be a good idea?

People often say to try to lower stress if trying to conceive, but I don’t know if this is grounded in science, or if it’s based on mental stress, physical stress or both.

Many thanks for your help.

Outside the context of RED-S / Female Athlete Triad issues, I would not suggest changes to training here. I.e., if she has been having normal menstrual periods, training is unlikely to be an issue here.

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Hi, sorry for the delay in replying. I just wanted to say thanks for your answer, it’s good to know that training is unlikely to be a factor here. Thanks.