This is probably going to sound shallow but I’m really struggling with weight and bloating. I eat pretty well and exercise a lot but can’t seem to shift the few pounds which have crept on and I’m really bloated in my stomach, It looks really big and like I’m pregnant at times which is like my body is mocking me. I’m finishing norethisterone today and due to start injections when I start my bleed. I have really struggled with my weight in the past and I’m frustrated as I’m active and look at what I eat.
Is this normal? Is there anything I can do? I know it’s not a big deal compared to everything and the whole point of doing IVF but I have really struggled with weight and get anxious with it. I use to control what I ate in the past. I don’t want to slide back into bad habits and mindsets.
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I’ve not started injections yet but as I’m on a really high dose it is something I am worried about. Other than feeling fat I’m ok. Think I’m developing a UTI so on antibiotics for that. It’s not painful just needing to pee a lot! I even took a pregnancy test but no miracle! 😂
I totally feel your pain! I have really struggled with weight gain and mega uncomfortable bloating this year. I have put on 4kg since March and none of my pants fit! I definitely attribute it partially to all the drugs I’ve been taking for IVF, which has been compounded by continual Covid lockdowns and a terribly bitter winter.
I hate feeling heavier, but no matter what I do, I can’t get the weight to shift while I’m actively doing cycles. I eat a healthy diet and walk daily, but it doesn’t make a difference. I know not everyone has this problem, but I think all of our bodies react differently to the hormones. Plus, a listed common side effect of all the drugs I’ve been on this year is ‘weight gain’. I therefore think it’s definitely normal and to be expected.
I have no idea how to deal with it. Nothing I’ve done has worked. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I’ll simply have to cope with weight gain, as shitty as it is. I’m telling myself I’ll deal with it after I give birth, because that is why I’m stuffing myself with all these drugs in the first place!!
You are definitely not alone. Wishing you all the best. xx
Thank you and you x It’s so frustrating as it’s not like I’m stuffing my face and being lazy! Like you say, all we can do is look after ourselves and hope it is all for something!
Please try and show yourself some grace. I was dieting and exercising before IVF and having to give myself over to the process was mentally really hard. Try and focus on the fact that weight can be lost in the future but what you’re trying to do now is grow some eggs, and hopefully a baby. I wore loose clothes and tried to be kind to myself about the fact that I looked pregnant. My bloating went down a few days after egg collection. I’m now 12 weeks pregnant so the bloating only eased for a little! Your body is amazing - it’ll be yours again sometime soon x
Yes it’s usually just bloat and water retention. I used to put on half a stone during cycles. Not much you can do about it to be honest. Just drink lots of water and stay active and your body will regulate afterwards x
Thank you for replying. Just freaking out about everything at the moment and feel at a loss as I can’t control things xx
Can totally sympathise with this. I worked really hard before starting IVF to get back in control of my weight and feeling fitter and shifted 50lbs. The bloat from the mixture of hormones and drugs we’re on is really tricky and sadly I didn’t find any miracle to easing it through diet etc. Also having gone through a year of IVF, 2 cycles and 3 transfers we are now blessed to have made it to the 13 week mark. I have to admit for me the bloating has never gone away and some days I feel like I’m waddling around 8 months pregnant not 3. I think bloating, trapped wind and constipation (so glamorous) are all side effects of both IVF and pregnancy so as much as it’s tricky try to just be kind to your body and wear more comfortable clothing and I’ve learnt I have to kind of embrace it. I was weighing myself religiously as I was keen to only gain the recommended weight during pregnancy but again I’ve learnt I can’t control that other than eating and drinking right - and again that’s a tricky task with nausea and food aversions. Just be kind to yourself and your body, maybe look into some mindfulness apps and just focus on the bigger picture. We can lose the bloat and the weight in the future xx
Definitely. I’ve struggled with how I look and weight in the past and I know it’s to do with control as I feel like I have no control with the cycle. Amazing news about 13weeks! Congratulations❤️ Xx
It’s all such a rollercoaster! Thank you, still hasn’t sunk in yet. A year of IVF, 2 rounds of IVF, 3 transfers and 1 miscarriage. Wishing you all the best with your cycle xx
Hi- i had the same from Norethisterone. My tummy had a pregnant shape and i had to wear loose clothes at work. Funny enough when i started the stims it went down. I was bloated for a couple of days half way through them but then i got back on the scales and i was back to my normal weight. Egg collection is tomorrow and in a way i am happy to be done with this cycle and just rest, i might even enjoy the 2ww. 😃 Best of luck to you, it will pass. Xxx
Thank you for replying. That’s made me feel better, I thought it was just me! I assumed the stims would bloat me not the tablets 😂🙈Can I ask which drugs you took for stims?
Best of luck with the egg collection tomorrow, everything crossed for you! Xx
Thanks my lovely. I took Menopur , 4 vials a day ( 2 shots) , then Cetrotide every morning from day 8. Honestly , it wasn't too bad at all and i reacted really well to it. There was a bit of bloating and constipation, i ate dried prunes every morning and drank peppermint tea . The trigger shot , Gonasi, really felt like penicillin!! Painful. But done and dusted , on to the next stage. I just want it done now, don't know if anyone feels the same way but i just want this over 🤣 Best of luck, drink plenty of water and eat stuff that you know doesn't block/bloat you. Baby dust to you Xxx
We are on the same drug regime. I’m due to start Menopur but just one shot in the evening for 6 days then will have Cetrotide added in the morning. Gonsai is my trigger shot as well. I already want it over and I have not started yet! 😂 Lots of luck and love to you, let me know how you get on xx
Hahaha! Also , many times i daydream about punching my husband in the face but i blame the drugs for that. Sending all my love, will update tomorrow after the e.c xxxx ❤
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