exercise during ivf cycle

lmc28

Hi there

I was wondering what kind and how much exercising you did during your ivf cycle? This is my first and I was advised to not do any crunching/ ab work or heavy lifting which is pretty much my typical routine. Other than walking, are there other things to do? Thanks!

indianaalum

I basically just walk on treadmill. My RE Nurse flipped when I said I was going to exercise after I left when I had 10+ large follicles. I had no idea I wasn't supposed to..Her reactino was enough to not make me even want to do the treadmill! LOL. She said I could do serious damage since my ovaries were so full of follies! 

Lady2010

Hi - In the first part of my cycle (first 5 days of stims) I did still continue to work out with my trainer - but very low impact.  No crunching, no heavy lifting, no twisting or lunges.  Mostly walking and upper body work (typically while seated).  The little leg work I did was seated adductor and abductor.  I basically listened to my body - you get to a point where you are more bloated and uncomfortable.  

This time it hit me sooner - so this past week have not gone to the gym.  And I likely won't go to the gym until mid-next week.  Once I do go back - up until my beta - I will keep it low impact.  Since it will be post transfer, I told my trainer to basically treat me like I am pregnant - no twisting, no abs, etc.  So I did a lot of walking to try to compensate.

Yes, it is very frustrating and I did put on weight but I figure if we are spending all this time and $$$ on IVF then I don't want to do anything to screw it up.  In the month after my first failed IVF cycle I did work out hard and was able to get back in shape - just in time for this IVF cycle!  

Good luck!

penad5

I basically stopped running (and anything high impact) as soon as i started pre-Stims... I don't know if i need to but I figured better safe than sorry.

I continued to use my bike trainer at low resistance until it was too uncomfortable to bend over... so i kept walking and swimming... eventually the motion of swimming was uncomfortable so i stopped that about 5 days before ER.  But I've continued walking through the entire process only talking a couple days after ER and ET off.  

I go slow and listen to my body but my docs have told me that (with the exception of the time right around ER when my ovaries felt like the size of cantaloupes) exercise is good and can help - just don't over do it... nothing strenuous for 4 weeks - but i was at risk for OHSS

I try to walk outside and take the dogs - I find it relaxing to get out in the fresh air

My doc also said that I should be good to go swimming as of Monday (ET was Thursday) actually recommended it as it can be soothing or something lol

I have put on weight but I agree with @lady2010 we're putting a lot into this process i'll deal with the weight later.  

Just listen to your doc and your body and good luck!

babydreams13

During the beginning of stimming I do my normal routine.  Usually some cardio and weights.  Towards the middle to end of stimming I just walk outside or on the treadmill. After ET I just walked as well.  

pblge

My exercise regime is to tell myself I'm going to walk regularly (I was also told nothing but moderate walking), then do absolutely nothing because I feel too crappy on the stims. I don't really recommend this.

STBMrsMiller

I was told only walking and yoga (minus twisting). I normally dance, use the elliptical, and lift, but had to stop at start of stims through two weeks post ER.