Conflicting information about exercise during stims

[Darcy1996]

hello all, happy Easter & hope all can find some time to enjoy the break and the different type of egg chat for a change! 💜

I’ve had some conflicting information about exercise during stims stage -

At a nurse consult they said ok to exercise during first 5 days (gonal f only). Then when add in the extra delights, they said light exercise, nothing twisting/abdomen pressure etc.

Another document says “abstain from exercise”

And a third says “light exercise only”.

I train 5 days a week but I do of course know that my same weights won’t be possible & I’m making light of this situation, but I want to give it all my best shot.

I’ve also been told previously my BMI was too high and I’ve worked super hard to bring it down to start treatment so I’m battling some concerns & dysmorphia too. I like routine, and I like feeling I’m helping our journey and my body be the strongest it can be to carry our future child (I hope).

I’m wondering if I can cycle, use the stepper, treadmill, use light weights that isolate (not crunches/twists etc) - fellow gym lovers, what did you safely use?

Best, an Easter 🥚 hopeful

[EjHack]

hi Darcy,

Not much help but have to say I was/am in a similar position. I have had some very conflicting messages throughout my IVF journey (I am a keen swimmer) and lost 8stone to get IVF on NHS. I was able to swim up until egg retrieval but after this, only walking. This has had a real impact on my self esteem and I am finding it difficult to navigate feelings of gratitude following a successful IVF and still not being able to exercise until 12 weeks. I have put on a stone and a bit in the 11weeks so far.

I think acceptance is what I am trying to say. Until 12 weeks and then you can increase exercise as per the obstetrician!

Emily

[Darcy1996 in reply to EjHack]

Well firstly, congratulations on your weight loss to start IVF, that’s phenomenal to get you near your goal to start a family 👏🏻

And secondly, congratulations on getting to 12 weeks 💜

I hope I didn’t come across as vain or flippant - it’s just been such a struggle I don’t want to lose my routine, my mental health support or be told my bmi is a factor again 😬😬

[EjHack in reply to Darcy1996]

Thank you! I 100% know where you are coming from. Once you hit the criteria check, they do not check again. Nonetheless shouldn’t be a reason to stop! Just be better prepared (than I was/am) to be told that you cannot do what anywhere near what you thought would be reasonable! I feel it’s close to bed rest!! Walking is a big one you can do. Mindfulness and house cleaning! That’s the only thing that has got me through. Come Saturday morning, after my first scan, I’ll be jumping straight back in the pool!!!!

Good luck with everything!! It’s tough but told that it’s worth it! 😂👶🏽❤️ xx

[Darcy1996 in reply to EjHack]

Thank you lovely - please let me know how it goes with your water baby!

[EjHack]

Also, a brilliant Dr called Sara Wickham… I’m reading it all religiously! Worth it for ladies that have a higher than NHS expected BMI. X

[Becem92]

I have done 3 IVF cycles (unfortunately still waiting for my little miracle to come along), but in all cycles I have continued to exercise throughout stims. I’ve always been pretty comfortable up until trigger, my nurse told me to do what feels comfortable and listen to my body. That’s exactly what I did.

Once I triggered I did pull back a little as that’s when I found the bloating got more uncomfortable, then after each egg collection I just done light exercise and took myself on long walks after transfers.

I think if you are used to exercising your body is used to it and I think you are also in tune with your body. You know your limits so trust your own instincts.

IVF is such a torturous journey and I know in my case, exercise throughout really helped my mental health, which I think is a big part of it!!

Good luck with your treatment. Sending you lots of baby dust xxx

[Darcy1996 in reply to Becem92]

Hi Becem92 - thank you so much, I think this is exactly what I need to hear. Exercise & routine is what gives me structure, strength, time out, but also a feeling of control in a situation I can’t control.

I know I might need to make adjustments and not being throwing around huge bars of weights on my glute bridges with (hopefully!) big full ovaries, but this really helps to hear another’s experience. Thank you.

And thank you for the luck, wishing the same to you too for your future journey 💜💜🌈

[Pineapple93]

Hi Darcy!I still went to the gym going through my stims. As this is normal routine for me so I didn't want to stop.

The things I did change :

Ditched the heavy weights for light

I still went to HIIT classes but did all low impact moves

Avoided floor work that would involve twisting and working the abs.

Hope this helps 😊

[Darcy1996 in reply to Pineapple93]

Thank you so much! This is really helpful. I was thinking I can’t see how upper arm dumbbells would be an issue - for example - unless I’m super tired. I’m not a burpees girl anyway 🤣

Did you pull back after egg collection or when bloated?

Thanks for your reply & all the best 💜

[Pineapple93 in reply to Darcy1996]

I worked a lot of upper body as obviously you don't need to be using your lower body.After egg collection I did stop going to the gym and went out for walks instead x

[Lamagarden]

This issue has always played on my mind. I’ve always been told only low impact exercise only - pretty much just walking! Which I have adhered to but it hasn’t been good for me as I rely on yoga and running. Have yet to have ultimate success. In my upcoming round I will continue yoga but go for gentler routines with no twisting. I’ve been told as the ovaries enlarge they can twist through high impact movements and that high impact exercise affects your hormones that’s why low impact only is advised. It’s one (!) of the things about treatment that I don’t enjoy. Best of luck xx

[Darcy1996 in reply to Lamagarden]

Thank you so much. Do you follow the yoga courses that Fertility Network provide? I ask ask as I’ve found them so gentle and helpful, and the lovely Bernadette is good at saying what to avoid if going through treatment etc 💜

[Lamagarden]

No, but I’ve been meaning to as would love that info. Do u watch on you tube or attend live? I can’t make Tuesday eve that’s why I haven’t gone (think I’ve been once or twice) 🧘‍♀️😊

[Lemons1986]

Hi Darcy I too had conflicting advice . I train 5 days a week . I was told no exercise by literature and nurses and also told continue as your body is used to it by consultant . I chose not too and took a month off because I didn’t want to look back and think that’s what it didn’t work. However the embryologist also asked why had I stopped so it was confusing . Unfortunately I wasn’t successful and will be hopefully going for a frozen transfer soon . I was miserable not training and it really impacted my self esteem : this time I will train right up to embryo transfer .

If I go back through stims again I’ve decided I will train up to egg collection . For me it impacted my mental health and I’m still struggling to get back into it 6 weeks later .

Ultimately I think it’s up to you and how you feel! Good luck and all the best! Xx

[Darcy1996 in reply to Lemons1986]

Thank you so much, it’s the unknown and the conflicting information isn’t it.

I think I’ll try to keep going but no high intensity and no twists/core work and listen to my body as you say. I’m sorry you found so much conflict too, and I completely relate to the feeling of “well what if it doesn’t work, was it because I kept training?”. I also know we still need to live and be healthy physically & mentally outside of ivf…argh 🤣💪🏻