Is Exercise Safe?

[Clark2018]

I’m a runner and go to the gym around 3 times a week. I’ve been afraid to go on my normal 5k runs as I tend to push myself to the limit. Is cardio exercise safe to do?

[Kari55]

Do you mean during the ivf?

[Clark2018 in reply to Kari55]

Hi Kari, Yeah I’m at the Stim stage and high chance of OHSS already. Worried I may make things worse x

[Kari55 in reply to Clark2018]

My clinic advised to do only walking during stimulation as exercise might cause torsion of the ovaries. I’m a Pilates instructor and had to stop it too. I think you should have a rest just in case. I hope you don’t get OHSS. Good luck x

[Dunla]

Do you mean during stimulation phase or two week wait? I think gentle exercise is fine but maybe don’t push yourself too hard. If during stimulation, I’ve read your your ovaries can become twisted. Perhaps double check with the nurse at your clinic xx

[Clark2018 in reply to Dunla]

Thanks Dunla, I think I’ll avoid for a few weeks. X

[Kempton]

If your body is used to a lot of exercise then it should be ok, but maybe take it a bit easier and avoid too much stress exercise. Personally I stopped exercising because I just didn't want to risk losing the pregnancy (after many years of ttc).

Perhaps talk it over with a GP. You may find you are so shattered you don't want to exercise!

Best of luck with the your treatment / pregnancy.

[Clark2018 in reply to Kempton]

Thanks Kempton. I agree, probably better safe than sorry

[Kempton in reply to Clark2018]

I should have said there are loads of alternatives to cardio such as swimming or yoga that are ideal during pregnancy. Both of which I did until I was too large /tired.

Best of luck!

[genten]

I was told no running during stimmimg as it can cause issues with twisted ovaries as Dluna said but gentle exercise is fine, yoga etc.

Also in 2ww it's a no no but walking is recommended to keep blood flowing to the uterus.

Xx

[Clark2018 in reply to genten]

My clinic didn’t tell me any of this! Quite disappointing. Thanks for your advice ! X

[genten in reply to Clark2018]

Not good but I'm sure clinics assume that we have researched everything. But they should absolutely cover all bases to give us the best possible chance. Xx

[Becatoms]

I exercise 4 time a week, weights, running and boot camp which is a mix of cardio and hiit.

My clinic have told me to listen to my body, I can exercise, still what I’m doing as my body is used to it. They have recommended that during the 2ww to cut back as it’s time for implantation, but if I get a bfp, then I can go back to my exercises.

I am going to be sensible, and just do what I can.

Xx

[7AVA]

Hi, I wouldn’t run during stims due to risk of ovarian torsion xx

[Hidden]

You’ll find it very uncomfortable running as your ovaries get bigger during stimulation- they grow to bigger than grapefruits! There is a risk of ovarian torsion when that happens so I would avoid. I trained regularly and had done for a while before treatment- running, weights and circuit training. During my stimulation phase, I stopped formal training because it was too uncomfortable- I was still training in the early part of stimulation but that was because I didn’t get much guidance from the clinic; only from here and looking online.