Can a movie trailer give you nightmares about trying to conceive? If you’ve watched the newly released trailer for the indie horror thriller ‘Push’, you know what we’re talking about. With its eerie music, tense close-ups, and the gut-wrenching tagline, “We’re having a rough day, huh?”—the film dives headfirst into the emotional turbulence of pregnancy fears, elevating them to bone-chilling extremes.

But here’s the real shocker: fertility fears and the emotional stress around conception aren’t just horror movie tropes—they’re deeply rooted, data-backed realities for millions of people every year. So what does the science actually say about the psychological side of trying to get pregnant, and how can we separate fact from cinematic fiction?

Media Mirrors: Why Do Fertility Fears Haunt Us?

Let’s face it—Hollywood loves to dramatize pregnancy. From the iconic Alien chestburster to psychological thrillers like ‘Push’, media has always tapped into the primal anxieties of conception and childbirth. But a 2024 survey published in the Journal of Reproductive Psychology found that over 62% of individuals pursuing pregnancy report at least moderate anxiety about the process itself. Common worries include:

• Fear of infertility or repeated failure
• Concerns about genetics and inherited conditions
• Financial stress around treatments
• The pressure to “succeed” quickly

The depiction in ‘Push’—frightening as it is—reflects a widely shared narrative: the unpredictability of conception can truly feel terrifying. The problem? Pop culture rarely offers solutions, just a magnification of our darkest worries.

Data Dive: The Real Impact of Fertility Stress

You might be wondering—does anxiety actually affect your ability to conceive? The answer is complex but compelling.

Recent meta-analyses (Stephenson et al., 2023; Moss et al., 2022) indicate that chronic stress can impact reproductive hormones, cycle regularity, and sexual health—factors that are statistically associated with reduced conception rates. More specifically, one longitudinal study of 1,200 couples found that those in the highest quartile of reported anxiety took up to 26% longer to conceive than those with lower stress scores.

But don’t panic: researchers are quick to point out that stress is only one piece of the puzzle, and many people with high anxiety levels still achieve healthy pregnancies. The key takeaway? Anxiety is real, but it’s manageable—and you have more control than you think.

From Horror to Hope: Tools That Actually Help

So, how do you go from feeling haunted by dread to empowered on your fertility journey?

1. Education is Empowerment: Understanding your body, cycle, and options reduces uncertainty. Reliable resources—like the MakeAMom knowledge hub—offer practical guides, user testimonials, and evidence-based tips. Access to accurate information has been shown to reduce anxiety by up to 40% in recent clinical trials (Mental Health in Fertility, 2024).

2. At-Home Solutions Mitigate Pressure: Data from at-home insemination kit providers show a significant reduction in reported stress, as users feel more in control and less rushed than in sterile clinical environments. MakeAMom, for example, reports a 67% average success rate and emphasizes privacy (their kits come in plain, unbranded packaging), building trust and peace of mind for users.

3. Mindfulness and CBT Practices: Incorporating daily stress-reducing routines—such as mindfulness meditation, journaling, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy exercises—can lead to documented improvements in both conception rates and overall well-being. In fact, a 2025 meta-review found that couples who practiced mindfulness together not only improved their communication but also saw a 15% higher chance of conception within six months.

4. Support Networks Matter: Whether it’s reaching out to a local support group, online forums, or connecting with counselors, sharing your fears can halve their power. Peer support is now recognized as a “protective factor” against fertility-related depression and anxiety.

Debunking the Myths—And Finding Your Calm

Back to ‘Push’ for a moment. The film is designed to make your heart race and your palms sweat. But unlike a horror movie, real-life conception is rarely as catastrophic or uncontrollable as our imaginations—or Hollywood—suggests.

• Fact: Most people will conceive within a year of trying.
• Fact: Tools exist to boost confidence and reduce fear (and many are more accessible than you think!).
• Fact: Anxiety is normal, but it doesn’t have to define your journey.

Final Thought: From Scary Movies to Soothing Moves

If you’re feeling anxious about your fertility journey—whether triggered by a movie or your own internal narrative—you’re not alone. The key is to lean into data, support, and actionable strategies rather than fear. Consider exploring practical resources like MakeAMom’s evidence-based approach to home insemination, and don’t hesitate to seek mental health support to ensure your mind is as ready as your body.

Have you ever been spooked by a fertility storyline? What strategies help you manage anxiety during preconception? Share your experience in the comments—your story could be the hope someone needs!