IVF treatment procedure can be stressful for couples, especially in case of woman. Light exercise is recommended to beat stress.
Many studies support the fact, researchers at the University of North Carolina found that high-intensity, strenuous and prolonged exercise increases cortisol levels, while lowering thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones stimulate your metabolism and the desired outcome of exercise is definitely not to lower your metabolism. The study showed that even after 24 hours of recovery post-exercise, cortisol levels remained elevated and thyroid hormones suppressed. Both high cortisol levels and low thyroid hormones have been linked to poor adrenal health which also in-turn directly impacts thyroid function and how the body handles stress long-term, all of which can negatively impact overall hormonal balance and fertility.
Jogging
After the IVF procedure, there is a two week waiting period before confirmation of the outcome. During the two week waiting period, you need to avoid certain exercises as it can lead to ovarian torsion, painful, swollen cysts in the uterus and, in some cases, can endanger the success of the procedure. Jogging is one of the most common forms of exercise to be avoided, as it involves running at a steady pace that is comfortable to the person. You will need to avoid jogging until your doctor has seen the untralsound that confirms the foetus has indeed implanted and the heartbeat can be seen. Jogging poses a risk of miscarriage due to repeated jarring and jolting the body. It is recommended with speed walking until your doctor gives you permission to take up jogging again. Once they have passed the critical period, many women are able to enjoy jogging either until their body protests due to size and weight restrictions, or they approach their due date. As long as your body and your doctor agree it is safe for you and the baby, there is no reason to give up jogging during pregnancy.
Weight Training
Lifting or pushing/pulling heavy objects is one of the primary causes of miscarriage. While it is not advisable for any pregnant woman to lift a considerable amount of weight during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, it is even more important following IVF treatment. You will need to restrict the amount of weight you lift to no more than 15 pounds (6.8kg). You will need to avoid weight training completely for a while until your doctor says you can resume normal activity. At that point, you will need to discuss your normal weight training routine.
Aerobic Classes
IVF patients are advised that any activity that raises the body temperature and, or, causes any form of jarring, jolting, straining, or stress on the body should be strictly avoided during the first few weeks after implantation. Therefore, aerobic classes are to be avoided following IVF treatment. This includes activities such as Zumba, spinning, pole dancing classes, kickboxing, martial arts, certain forms of dancing, rowing and the like. The first few weeks following IVF treatment are critical, so it is truly advisable to remain calm, relaxed and as sedate as possible.
Bikram yoga (hot yoga, raised body temperature)
This variation of yoga is practised at temperatures of 35 to 40 degrees Celsius. Women are adviced to avoid hot yoga during their first trimester of pregnancy. Hot yoga is safer in the second and third trimester unless the woman has other restrictions related to heat exposure, such as low or high blood pressure, fatigue, a chronic illness or severe morning sickness. Students who have practised Bikram yoga for more than a year can continue practising yoga, but only after their first trimester. Pregnant women are also taught special positions that eliminate forward bends or postures that compress the stomach.
Running
IVF is quite an investment (time and $) so better to take it easy that short time that you have to take the stim meds. Running makes you sweat heavely as it is too strenuous. Take note that, you will have plenty of time to run again once you get pregnant!
We definitely agree that extreme exercise and fitness training should be avoided folowing IVF.
‘Take it easy’. Doctors say ‘don’t overdo it’