How much exercise is too much during FET?

[WaitingforGabriel]

Today I will have my last embryo transfer. It was too much heartbreaking to lose all previous embryos. I felt like losing a child each time.

Earlier, at each transfer I stopped exercising with fear that I can cause any damage to the embryo, but apparently implantation did not have much to do with it. This time, I will continue my daily exercise routine, but just want to hear sportive people's ideas about how much exercise would be too much.

[Mrs_MT]

following as I always never know if I should not exercise before a transfer. I still am this time round but it’s only 10 min everyday. So really not much but I’m wanting to increase the duration but a bit scared to!

[Asha82]

Hi, I've been told 30 minutes gentle walking daily and no heavy lifting, that's what I did and I'm now 26 weeks and 2 days pregnant, I wish you all the best of luck to have a successful implantation

[WaitingforGabriel in reply to Asha82]

God bless! Congratulations with your pregnancy!

[Asha82 in reply to WaitingforGabriel]

Thank you I appreciate it🙂

[jinis]

It really depends on one's existing fitness level & routine, so no hard stop rules, but here's what worked for me so far (I'm 8+4).

I used to do free weight training & HIIT regularly prior to transfer. Adjustments I've made since the transfer;

- switched to lighter weights

- no heavy twisting of torso or explicitly "abs" movements

- try to stay in fat burn/lower end of cardio heart rate zone

And the most important thing is to listen to your body. There were times I felt a bit of discomfort in my lower abdomen (probably side effects of the hormones/symptoms of pregnancy felt a bit stronger due to increased blood flow), so I just slowed down for the rest of the session. Some days I just had a walk (or stayed in bed!) as I was feeling fatigued.

A healthy body is usually remarkably resilient and able to adapt - Serena Williams won a grand slam 8 weeks pregnant and went on to have a baby. Of course professional athletes are outliers, so I'm not saying go run around like a tennis player, but just wanted to use the example to highlight that it's all to do with knowing your own body, its capabilities/limitations, being kind to yourself and doing what feels good.

But equally, it's important to take your personality type into an account. If you are type of person who would become anxious that something you did (not just exercise but other things like having a sip of alcohol etc) would lead to an unfavourable outcome, or blame yourself for it, then probably not worth the stress. And no judgement - I am that person! But I've been training myself to be rational because exercise helps me mentally if not more than physically. And yes I have had some sips of wine.

I hope you find the balance that works for you. Wishing you all the best x

[WaitingforGabriel in reply to jinis]

Wow! Thank you for your comment! Congratulations with your pregnancy!

[Darcy1996 in reply to jinis]

Great reply 💜

[Twiglet2]

walking is also the one that worked for me! Did my 10k steps each day but stayed to flatter walks than usual in the 2WW. I’ve did that for my last few transfers trying for a sibling too an d they’ve implanted (had miscarriages later down the road but nothing to do with exercise) Apparently walking is good to get blood flowing without being too rigorous and personally helps my mental health anyways! Good luck! Xx