Post FET exercise/yoga

[LavendarGreen]

Hello. Does anyone have any recommendations/advice around how soon after FET to start exercising again?

I’m keen to return to yoga and thought I’d stick to pregnancy yoga but have also found yoga specific to post embryo transfer on YouTube. However, imo it’s no more than gentle movement and not something I would call exercise. I know to avoid vigorous exercise and I’m not looking to build up a sweat but I’d also like to get my heart rate going a little.

Transfer was yesterday afternoon and had a short walk home from bus stop then went out again in the evening for a short walk around the block. Would like to extend the walking today and slowly pick up the pace.

I also heard Fertility Network offers online yoga sessions. Anyone tried these?

Just wondering what others have done exercise wise to help get themselves through this stage without negatively impacting implantation, etc. Thanks

[Hidden]

Rest as much as you can for a couple of days after transfer then just some gentle exercise during 2WW as ovaries will be enlarged and bit tender . Then gradually increase your exercise levels

Take care

Janet-Partner

[LavendarGreen in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Janet but I believe that would apply to a fresh cycle. I had a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) so no risk of enlarged/tender ovaries. My egg collection was back in July last year xx

[Destiny30 in reply to LavendarGreen]

I am a yoga instructor (but not into pre natal yoga) i would suggest you to follow your doc's advice. And if all is okay i would suggest you to stick to walks currently but not tiring walks. Listen to your body and the initial 3 to 5 days rest and stay hydrated. My doc specifically mentioned no sports for the initial days.

But of course you can practice mindfulness and meditation.

[LavendarGreen in reply to Destiny30]

Thanks

Yes, my doctor said to resume activities as normal but I felt a bit weary of jumping back into normal yoga as I know the poses can be intense and involve a lot of twists. This is why I thought pregnancy yoga would be a good option. But the videos on YouTube for the implantation phase threw me off because they’re far gentler than pregnancy yoga. I just have conflicting thoughts running through my head as under natural circumstances, active women continue to exercise as normal throughout luteal phase and still fall pregnant (which is my doctor’s argument). Also, movement is encouraged as it promotes blood flow to the uterus. But fear overrides rationality.

I feel no different to what I felt prior to the transfer on Monday. I have only taken a couple of short walks since, and raised my legs up the wall nothing more. I think I’ll introduce some gentle yoga from tomorrow.

[Destiny30 in reply to LavendarGreen]

If doc gave it a go ...go for it ...but remember not to twist so much and avoid forward bending for 3 days .... You can do the gentler versions of these (modified asanas).

All the best 👍

[LavendarGreen in reply to Destiny30]

Thanks so much. Found this on Yoga International, which I think will be a good guide to follow yogainternational.com/artic...

But to be on the safe side, will start off tomorrow with Bettina Rae’s ‘Yoga for IVF after Frozen Embryo Transfer’ for a couple days first and keep up with some walking.

[Destiny30 in reply to LavendarGreen]

These asanas look fine. But the Paschimottanasana (though this is not full ...like touching your knees with your forehead) still do it only as much as your body allows n only till when you are not putting a lot of pressure. You seem to be a regular practitioner then its okay . Avoid adding anything new.

[LavendarGreen in reply to Destiny30]

Thanks xx

[Solo45]

hello, good luck for your 2ww. I took complete rest (other than walking) for 48 hours which I read was the most critical. I had frozen too and am 45 (was 44 post transfer). My clinic said exercise was ok and I reintroduced my exercise after the 48 hours. Lighter weights than normal, slower jogging and missed my HIT class until 10 days later and had positive test by then. I’m now 15 weeks and have continued exercising. Have been to prenatal PT and she encouraged me I could do most of what I did before and to listen to my body. Obviously everyone’s body and pregnancy can be different; but if you are a regular exerciser I think it will do you good but lighter/slower/gentler in the 2ww. Post 2ww there is a lot of research about exercise in pregnancy benefits and there are some different views in research on the 2ww. I was reassured my clinic said was ok and felt better for doing some exercise, albeit not hitting my yellow or red heart rate zones - aimed to stick to blue and green (60-70 &70-80%) on my heart rate monitor. Good luck and I’d say do what fees right for you, just give yourself 2-3 days first. I’ve read that’s the most critical time.

[Solo45 in reply to Solo45]

When I say complete rest - I mean in exercise terms as I was working and have a 7 yo! 🤣 my walks were still reasonably paced.

[LavendarGreen in reply to Solo45]

Haha, I was going to clarify this! I thought, oh no. I did one load of laundry yesterday and spent time standing (with breaks) in the kitchen while I cooked up a stock for a chicken broth in addition to a short walk to a cafe, where I sat and read my book before walking back home. Not complete rest.

Haven’t started up the yoga yet. I’m not a HIIT or weight lifting kind of exerciser - more a power yoga (which does get your heart rate up quite high) and runner person. But since this pregnancy journey I switched to Hatha yoga and fast walking. So, by getting my heart rate up a little I just meant more like gradually increasing to a good paced walk before switching it up to a brisk pace over time. And yoga with a little bit more a flow to it, like pregnancy yoga, rather than purely passive/seated poses.

Thanks for your advice and sharing your experience! I’m in my 40s too. Congrats on your pregnancy. Wishing you all the best xx

[Solo45]

I would say your plan sounds really sensible. The only thing to watch with yoga is too much twisting of your mid section. I definitely didn’t have complete rest - not an option as a solo parent! I think doing what feels right for you and helps you feel calm during this period is all good.

[LavendarGreen in reply to Solo45]

Yes, agree with the twists. Thank you xx

[Unicornrocinu]

I found the Fertility Network past recordings here so you can do them on demand

youtube.com/playlist?list=P...

No idea when to start/whether these are suitable but thought I'd share the link

[LavendarGreen in reply to Unicornrocinu]

Thanks xx