As a photographer, my world revolves around celebrating babies, motherhood, and family. That means I often meet women who are in every stage of this journey. Some are expecting, some are just starting to try, and some are walking through the heartache of infertility. Because I work so closely with moms, this topic is close to my heart. I’ve seen the tears, the prayers, and the joy that finally comes when the timing is right. Even though this isn’t my personal story, I want to share resources that may help someone reading today.
Today I’m sharing 8 surprising things that can impact fertility. While some factors like age and genetics cannot be changed, there are many others you might not even realize are playing a role.
Before we dive in: this blog post is for information only. If you’re experiencing fertility struggles, it’s always best to talk with your doctor.
1. Stress
When I was trying to conceive my second child, I remember how much pressure I put on myself. Every negative test felt heavier, and honestly, I don’t think I realized how much stress was affecting my body.
Stress can interfere with ovulation, disrupt the menstrual cycle, and decrease sperm count. Finding ways to reduce it is key. In our area, Wildflower Yoga in Redlands offers beginner-friendly classes, and even a simple walk through Prospect Park can help bring peace.
Study reference: Lynch et al., 2014.
2. Lack of Sleep
I’ll be honest, sleep has always been my weak spot. When my first baby was born, I’d stay up scrolling my phone after those middle-of-the-night feeds, which made me even more exhausted the next day. I eventually learned that leaving my phone to charge in the kitchen helped me sleep more deeply.
Research shows women who get fewer than 6 hours of sleep have a higher risk of infertility than those who rest 7–8 hours. (Poli et al., 2018).
3. Poor Diet
Hey, I’m not the diet police. I love an In-N-Out burger just as much as the next person. But I noticed that when I swapped out a few fast-food meals for smoothies and salads, my energy and cycle both improved.
A simple swap: frozen spinach in smoothies. My favorite is pineapple, banana, frozen spinach, and almond milk. You don’t even taste the greens. Locally, Clark’s Nutrition in Loma Linda and the Redlands Saturday Farmers’ Market are great places to grab fresh (or prepped) produce.
4. Environmental Toxins
It’s wild how many toxins surround us daily. I used to buy whatever cleaner was on sale until I realized some of those chemicals can affect fertility. Now, I use a DIY cleaner with vinegar, water, and lemon essential oil. It’s simple and cheap.
If DIY isn’t your thing, Sprouts Farmers Market in Redlands carries safer cleaning supplies. And if you want fresher food, even planting a small herb garden on your porch with mint, basil, or lettuce can make a difference.
Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6396757/
5. Alcohol
I had a close friend who gave up wine entirely while TTC, and she told me it helped her feel more in control of her health, even if it wasn’t easy.
Moderate alcohol is usually fine, but heavy drinking impacts fertility and can increase miscarriage risk. If you want alternatives, I love grabbing a fun latte at Wild Goose Coffee Roasters in Redlands instead of a glass of wine at night.
Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5504800/
6. Over-Exercising
I’ll admit, I once signed up for back-to-back spin classes thinking I was “doing my body good.” Instead, I ended up exhausted and moody. Too much exercise can disrupt hormones and cause irregular cycles.
A better option: mix strength and cardio with rest days. For locals, Bloom Fitness Studio in Yucaipa offers balanced classes that don’t push your body to extremes.
7. Poor Dental Health
This one surprised me most. After my second pregnancy, I avoided the dentist for over a year (mom life, right?). When I finally went back, I learned that gum inflammation can actually affect fertility.
If you need a trusted local dentist, Yucaipa Dental & Orthodontics is a solid choice.
Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8812457/
8. Vitamin D Deficiency
Even in sunny Southern California, it’s easy to come up short on Vitamin D. I realized I was indoors so much that I barely saw the sun, so now I take 10 minutes each morning to walk outside before the day begins.
If supplements are easier for you, ask your doctor. And if you want a natural boost, hiking in the San Bernardino Mountains is both stress-relieving and a great way to soak up sunshine.
References:
Wrap-Up
Fertility is complex, and no two stories are alike. By being aware of these 8 lesser-known factors, you can take small steps that may improve your chances of conceiving. Most importantly, remember you’re not walking this road alone.
If you’re on this path to motherhood, whether it’s been easy or full of challenges, I would be honored to help you capture the beauty of your story. You can view my newborn photography portfolio here to see how I document these tender beginnings for families across Yucaipa, Redlands, and the Inland Empire.
