Exercise in the 2WW

Davie813

I'm sure this has been asked here before, but I'm curious about what you guys do about exercise between ovulation and AF.

I'm really trying to do everything I can to encourage implantation this cycle (Pineapple!  Brazil nuts!  Baby aspirin!), and I really don't want to mess anything up with too much/too intense exercise.

On the other hand, I've juuuust started taking baby steps back into running, and don't want to sacrifice my hard-earned progress if it's not necessary.  I see conflicting advice about this on the Internet.

So, do you ladies exercise?  If so, how much?  Why?  Are you acting on medical advice?

FX for all of us!

lcwed

I exercise in the 2WW just because I was doing it when I got pregnant the first time, no one has told me different, and I don't know why you would not exercise during the 2WW.  I do not do anything more than I did or change my routine.  I could be doing something wrong as TTC#2 is taking a lot longer, so I am glad you asked this because I am curious too.

mindaa

That will probably depend on your doctor's advice given any treatment you're undergoing. 

I've been TTC mostly unmedicated so far and exercise has been a huge quandary for me. Acupuncturists have recommended cutting back, but are unable to support that with specific guidelines. Or research to back up that suggestion, given I'm not underweight and have never skipped a period in my life. When I've asked on other boards, some say RE's advise to cut back, other's don't. 

Personally, I channel my stress into exercise... so when faced with the choice between too much exercise and too much stress, I've been choosing exercise, so I haven't really cut back. That said, PMS makes me pretty tired, so I'll often naturally take it easy during the 2WW.

URMySunshine77

Granted that I've only met with her once, but my acupuncturist recommended exercising at a normal rate for myself. She was concerned that I've only been walking the dog recently. I took a spinning class yesterday (for the first time in two years), and I felt comfortable gauging my level of effort during the 2WW. 

CaraH

**loss and child mentioned**

I exercised all through my first pregnancy and felt great, had a super healthy and smart kid (my PT sister swears its all the cardio I did) and an easy overall recovery despite an awful delivery.  So, I had no intention of doing anything differently.  Until, I had a miscarriage this winter and couldn't help but wonder.  Miscarriages at 9 weeks are really about chromosomal abnormalities, I know, but its not my rational side speaking here. 

So, I asked my RE and my acupuncturist (who is a doctor of complementary medicine) very direct questions before our next IUI.  Both of them said moderate exercise such as I was doing should not have any negative impact and could possibly have positive impact.  They advised against starting a new exercise routine while in your first trimester (and I treat the 2ww as first trimester, just in case) and said to 'listen to your body.'  If you're tired, slow down, get more rest and do not exercise to the point of exhaustion.

To appease my superstitious side, I've been reducing the intensity of my exercises during the 2ww.  I don't stop altogether, though.

MelissaMiso

I'm not changing anything at this point. I feel like exercise makes me feel good, plus it may be my excess weight that is making this time TTC much longer than the first.  I am determined to have an active pregnancy if and when I get knocked up. I also love to garden and do yard work. Using a reel mower is an awesome workout! Functional exercise and it has to get done so no stopping now. My gut is telling me stress is my biggest problem and being active, particularly outside, is something I'm not giving up.

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kelley72

Exercise is excellent!  Not meaning climb Mt. Everest or bike 100 miles if you've never done that before but unless medically advised not to moderate exercise is more beneficial than detrimental.  Now, that being said I have never been under an RE's care, if I were I would certainly consult with him/her first.  I, in my younger years, worked out and was a pretty high mileage runner.  These days a little jog/walk around the neighborhood with the dogs is what I do.  Best wishes!

Pintobean39

My RE tells me he wants me to exercise because it's good for me. I started back running 2 miles every day and have continued. While I'm stimming I do cut back only because it gets painful so I just walk. I haven't asked about ET yet but during my medicated cycles I continued my routine as soon as I felt better.

bumpuser10258960

These were all really great comments. As this was my first day back to the gym since my vacation and throwing my back out two weeks ago, I was also curious about it (I'm in the 2WW). My general idea is that routine, moderate exercise is normal so long as you don't try anything new or push yourself and drink lots of water. 

lgsdesigner

I am a weightlifter who also does some HIIT training, and it is perfectly fine to not only exercise during your 2WW, but also when you are pregnant.

I have a few friends that ran their entire pregnancies. It’s very good for you and the baby! Just wear a HRM to make sure you stay under a certain heart rate, and stay hydrated.

GL!

Davie813

Thanks, Ladies.  I guess I have no excuse not to exercise!  I agree with the points about circulation and general fitness; I was just feeling uncertain because I keep seeing Internet advice to avoid running and walk, etc, and since I'm just starting up with running again, I was worried about over-exertion.  But I'll follow the advice about heart rate and water and keep on keepin' on...

mattandlora

(BFP / child mentioned)

I do a healthy mix of crossfit, reformer pilates, and lap swim. I am overweight, but 10-15lbs less than where I was with BFP#1. He turned 1 yesterday. I don't plan on changing anything. Regular moderate exercise helps regulate cycles, which can't hurt!

Remember, pregnancy is not a medical condition. It is a normal condition in women and has been for a VERY long time. Before we even had offices and gyms and exercise equipment.

MelissaMiso

***previous pregnancy mentioned***

This post reminded me of how worried my FIL got about me doing anything when I was pregnant with DD. He freaked when I was 7 months and still mowing the lawn with the reel mower. Mind you I did stop mowing when the weather got too hot but reel mowers are a great functional exercise, quieter then gas/electric mower, and eco-friendly. Plus, I know I can freak out my FIL when I get prego again

URMySunshine77

So I'm 2DPO tomorrow morning and terrified of going to my scheduled spinning class--like I'll jostle the little zygote before implantation (if it's there). 

Do you think I'm completely paranoid? Should I just go and do a moderate spin?

gscoville

URMySunshine77 said:

So I'm 2DPO tomorrow morning and terrified of going to my scheduled spinning class--like I'll jostle the little zygote before implantation (if it's there). 

Do you think I'm completely paranoid? Should I just go and do a moderate spin?

Go. Spin.  The egg is tiny on a microscopic level, you can do absolutely nothing to it by exercising.  You couldn't even if you tried.  Just think of all the other 'molecules' floating around in your body that function normally no matter what jostling your body does.  Microscopic cells flowing through veins, in your eyes/ears, organs, etc., all doing their thing blissfully unaware of what your body is up to.  

URMySunshine77

Thanks @gscoville. You always give great advice.