Exercise & IVF

Foxy8609

Im a daily runner and I want to know from others who like to work out how you are coping with not being able to work out?

Im about to start stims and have read its not good to do intense work outs during that time because my ovaries will be so swollen. Im just curious.

susykat77

I was told nothing high impact (like running) due to the possibility of ovarian torsion (not good). I took up swimming during my IVF cycles. Good luck!!

laur2835

@Foxy8609 I too am an avid runner. I used to run anywhere from 6-10 miles 7 days per week. I've been stimming for the last 2 weeks and it's been a tough adjustment. I am trying to be as good as possible, so I completely stopped the running. I have been just walking on the treadmill instead, doing 5 miles. I am only walking at 4.0 mph, so it takes awhile, but it's not strenuous at all compared to the running, and at least I feel like I'm still somewhat doing something. My RE said it was okay to walk or do gentle exercises like yoga (which I'm not really into, but after I get my BFP I want to try to get into it 2 or 3 times a week).

takethelongway

I had the same problem @Foxy8609. I'm a runner and weight lifter. Had to nix running second cycle of treatment and limits weights to 25lbs. It has been difficult, but swimming and the elliptical saved me in the cardio department. I am also doing a ton of kettlebell and body weight workouts. I'm in my tww now and am choosing to lay low after the FET, but as soon as I get that BFP, I'll be back at it!

Jerseygirl856

Hi and welcome! I'm a runner too and recently started stims. My RE told me that I was allowed to walk only. It's been challenging because I'm in the middle of training for a half marathon but I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to get my bfp! I walk 2-3 miles when I feel up to it but for the most part, I rest. Good luck on your journey and fx your cycle will be successful!

tvh1982

Hi! I am not a runner runner, so I had no problem cutting down on that. I do train a lot (salsa, (kick)boxing, poledancing, weightlifting) and could keep going with my workouts.
Although I was quite uncomfortable after my intense boxing session a week before my last check-up and decided to keep it with the salsa lessons and light weights. My ovaries where huge, so using stomac muscles wasn't a fun walk in the park.
The first week of my TWW I had no problem not training at all, I was exhausted, been in horrible pain after ER. This time around I had FET, so no stim, which was awesome before procedure, but again the first week waiting I have done no training, as again due to the exhaustion, and the being scared part of doing something wrong.
I'm however in my week 2 now, and will start the salsa and poledancing (as a workout, not working in a nightclub)
My clinic told me that because I am used to the workout, my body will be able to handle it, just don't get overheated, drink lots and take breaks.

mskeenan

I barely exercised at all during the days I was stimming . Even walking around at work was rough for me .. I felt like I could feel my ovaries every step I took . It was a weird feeling . I'm doing a FET in March and I am trying to stay in shape before then . Does anyone know if you have to avoid exercise after a transfer (assuming your ovaries have had plenty of time to recover ) ?

takethelongway

@mskeenan They recommend about 48 hours of taking it easy, but afterward I think some activity is ok. My doctor said no weight lifting or high intensity cardio. I'm 1dp5dt and I'm taking the next 8 days off.

mtpbadger

I was told to not introduce any new exercise during stims but also to limit any high impact (running, jumping, etc) that could cause torsion of the ovaries. I'm also an avid running (Have done 4 marathons and too many half marathons to count) and while I've backed off the long distance running, I still run 3-5 miles several days/week. I have recently started swimming again - it has been YEARS - and am planning to continue that as long as I feel up to it during my first IVF along with walking.

mskeenan

Ok thank you @takethelongway ! Hoping you get your BFP !!

akcrowe

I'm not coping  I just posted about feeling exhausted and I guess it makes sense that I haven't been working out for the past few weeks that my body is probably in freakout mode. Throughout stim I felt fine, like I could run but I listened to my doctor and just walked. I just had my egg retrieval two days ago and was told I could run later in the week, before the transfer, if I felt good. My pain has started to subside so I think I might, but the no working out like I normal do these past weeks is killing me. I just feel gross. I need it for peace of mind. I haven't looked at the scale, I make my husband look because my doctor wants to make sure I don't gain more than 3lbs in a day (for OHSS). That would blow my mind! I know it's all worth it, but I really wanted to start my pregnancy feeling incredible and now I just feel like a blob =( 

Goodness Im a downer. Sorry!

2015dee

Ick...that sounds so difficult! I'm not a runner but I do exercise regularly, so I am not sure I will respond to not being able to exercise as much. I've heard that it's harder to give up running than other forms of exercise for some reason though (and if you think about it, that's probably a good thing). I regularly do baptiste yoga (hot yoga...pouring sweat and gets your heart rate up). Do you think that form of exercise is OK during IVF? My RE was pretty vague when I asked about exercise. He just said no running or twisting...

dragonfaerie

My doc told us that in second round of shots no lifting over 5 pounds, no high impact (i.e. no running) and no twisting (so no yoga) due to risk of torsion. I lift almost every day and run several times a week. I have to ask if body weight exercises are okay.

dragonfaerie

@akcrowe I'm sorry you are feeling so ick! But keep in mind that since you have a habit of working out you will get it back quick! Sending happy thoughts!

Foxy8609

@2015dee I wouldnt push the hot yoga anymore. One of the major things I read about when it comes to pregnancy and exercise is to keep your temp down. I guess when I start my stims in a few days working out will take a backseat. I am doing a FET in March I believe, so I am going to get in as much as possible before the transfer. 

I feel better reading that everyone on here is going through the same struggle. I felt a little selfish but I want to stay healthy through the pregnancy.  I want to do this night run 5k in May and was hesitant because things maybe successful. But I think I will get back into my workouts once that BFP shows. 

2015dee

@Foxy8609 - I don't think it's selfish at all for you to want to be healthy through the pregnancy! I actually think that's a really good outlook. Guess I'll give up the hot yoga once I start stims, which sucks because it's a total stress relief for me. Nothing makes me sweat quite like that. Are you doing a freeze-all then a FET?

Foxy8609

@2015dee talk with your nurse or doctor about the hot yoga during stims. Its after your transfer I would be more concerned. If anything maybe look for some prenatal yoga classes.