I stopped all exercise apart from walking during the TWW. I was advised by the clinic to stop yoga and swimming although they said I should carry on with life as normal and not rest too much.
The tww is over and I got a BFP Now I'm wondering what type of exercise I can do. All the websites appear to be for normal people who haven't found it difficult to get pregnant and don't find out they are pregnant until a bit later. There isn't much information about whether it is OK to go swimming in week 3,4,5. If I was advised to stop swimming during the TWW, when I wonder is it safe to start again?
I had two failed IVF attempts and am 42 so this attempt was probably my last shot. I being very cautious, but I have read that not doing exercise / too much rest can also cause complications later in the pregnancy.
Any advice or personal stories would be welcome.
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So I am 9 weeks and taking the very very safe approach of not exercising like I used to.....I walk a lot now and I cracked and swam yesterday, but apart from that the gym and the classes I used to go to I stopped.
I have friends that are pregnant after trying for a normal length of time and they are exercising etc. But I am too scared.
I swam yesterday as I get a bad back - but googled it because I was afraid of the chlorine and the cleanliness of my local pool. I travelled to a cleaner outdoor pool instead as it seems like google recommends the chemicals are less intense if it is open air.
Others may disagree with me on here - but until I have the baby in my arms I am taking it very easy.
I think after 13 weeks I can swim more often and potentially pregnancy pilates...
Maybe see what other people think - this is my first pregnancy and after a failed IVF so I am nervous
Congratulations to you. You are just ahead of me at 9 weeks. Your response is really helpful. It is interesting to know that the outdoor pool might be a better option as there is one where I live, but like you, I will wait a good bit longer before I go. I have read that in a normal pregnancy swimming is highly recommended, but I think all the information is for people who find out they are pregnant a lot later and don't have to be as careful as us. Good luck with your pregnancy.
Yes agree - Natalia44 has a point about the bugs in pools. I just had to weigh up having back pain and wanted to relieve that by having a swim at the weekend.
Walking seems like the safe option.
I think my midwife will give me pelvic floor exercises when I have my booking in appointment which will be helpful.
Xxx
Hi-I’m 14 weeks pregnant following a frozen transfer and am 37. There is so much different advice out there regarding exercise in the first trimester. On the Tommy’s website they say that women who did exercise in the first trimester often had easier experiences of delivery. Other places talk about making sure your heartbeat doesn’t go up too high.
At my booking appointment, my midwife said that if I had done exercise before I could carry on with what I did before.
I used to train 3hours plus a week in the gym - with two sessions with a trainer and lifting weights. Following my transfer, I used to walk my run circuit a couple of times a week and I continued this until 10 weeks. At 8 weeks I went to the gym once- I just spent about ten minutes on the cross trainer and ten minutes on the bike but I had to take it easy as I got out of breath easily. After ten weeks, I started back with my trainer but we are only focusing on strength and core. I drink lots of water and listen to my body. I have not had any bleeding at any point- if I had, I think I probably would have done differently.
It’s very much a personal decision- at 10 weeks, I needed the exercise for my own well being. I’d had a viability scan at 7 weeks and then scheduled a private scan at 11 weeks as part of my Harmony test. Our 12 week scan was all fine.
I would start very gently whatever you decide (if you have exercised before) and listen to your body- don’t try to push yourself. I couldn’t do very much as I was so tired and be careful in this heat xx
This is really helpful Zoe. So basically you just walked for the first 8 weeks. How long was the run circuit that you walked? I am thinking of doing an 8-9 mile walk once a week as I have friends who tend to go for a long walk on a Sunday. I used to do a lot of yoga but I will wait until after my 6 week scan before doing any yoga. I have been avoiding lifting, but I read on the NHS website that it is a myth that lifting can cause miscarriage (however one of my consultants advised me not to lift things in the few days after transfer, so I'm still confused)! I don't even fill up the watering can to full when watering the garden!
My run was a 6.5km circuit. I would be able to hold a conversation whilst doing it but at the end I would be slightly sweaty. My consultant said no lifting (or sex) until test day. To be honest I think no one really knows and medical professionals (being one myself) will always be cautious with the advice they give because no one wants to cause harm/get sued- saying that, if you are on blood thinners or had recurrent miscarriages or placenta problems in the past- it’s a whole different story. With lifting, i think it’s best to focus on using your core and protecting your back and making sure things aren’t being held far away from your body.
Go for gentle walks first - where you can stop early if needed. I was so tired in my first trimester but some gentle walks in the morning before it got hot was helpful. Wishing you all the best xxx
• in reply to
Sorry with all that waffle- i did not answer your question! Yes- just walking for up to 10 weeks. X
Firstly, congratulations on your BFP 😁 Great news!
This is very topical for me today as I'm 16 weeks pregnant and went for my first run, well, pathetic jog, in about 5 / 6 months. It was tough! I stopped exercising when I started down regging but prior to that I was very active; going to the gym, doing yoga, had a ski holiday and ran a half marathon in October last year. I wish I hadn't stopped exercising so soon and I certainly wish I had started again sooner. The midwife ok'd it at my booking appt and all was well at my 12 week scan the day before, ive just been lazy!
Tonight's attempt was very slow and I had to walk some of it as not to over exert myself, but I will persevere now that I've broken the ice.
If you're used to exercising it is generally ok to keep doing it albeit modified to suit your stage of pregnancy, but perhaps wait until you've had your viability scan and speak to the clinic. Mine told me not to do anything for a while as my ovaries would still be enlarged.
I would recommend squatting or any other safe leg strengthening exercises (clear it with your midwife first though). Squatting in particular is great for your pelvic floor muscles so I'm making sure I do mine daily!
I think it's very important that you listen to your body, only you know what is right for you. You may find you are too tired / sick to do anything in your first trimester so maybe just do a bit of walking to start with. Good luck xx
Great tip on the squatting, thanks. It is lovely to hear that your pregnancy is so positive and normal.
Hi Moira congratulations!!! I’m in my 40s too and was advised to just walk, nothing too strenuous, no heavy lifting and no big stretches etc i’m pretty sure swimming should be ok but after 6 losses i’m Sticking to walking only as scared of bugs in the pool and in the changing rooms but I am ridiculously paranoid and cautious xxx
Maximum recommended time as advised is 30 mins a day! If you’re super fit you can go a little more but I certainly wouldn’t be doing 9 miles. Too precious and delicate xxx
Hey I was told no swimming or a bath for the first 12 weeks whilst I was in the progesterone pessaries as it can dilute them. I had FET in Spain so may just be there advice but maybe just have a quick check re that’s with your clinic. I’m sure is over cautious as they say the meds absorb within 20 mins of inserting them but just sharing the advice given to me. Enjoying getting back to exercise x
Thanks for that. I'm happy to take all the overcautious advice. It is interesting that the no swimming and no baths also relate to the progesterone pessaries. I think they are more advanced in IVF in Spain than we are here so it is probably good advice.
I must say my experience is Spain was amazing!! They seem to know their stuff! Happy to share any advice they gave me. I had a FET in April and am now 15 weeks. It hadn’t been plain sailing but they have kept me going! All the best chick x
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Now I'm wondering what type of exercise I can do. All the websites appear to be for normal people who haven't found it difficult to get pregnant and don't find out they are pregnant until a bit later. There isn't much information about whether it is OK to go swimming in week 3,4,5. If I was advised to stop swimming during the TWW, when I wonder is it safe to start again? 
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