Exercising during ivf and weight issues

[MahanK]

I’m 33, with PCOS, preparing for my second round of IVF in Feb. My first round was a year ago and was unsuccessful, since then I’ve put on a lot of weight. I do workout a lot but with PCOS, all the supplements I’m taking and the emotional eater I am my weight is not going down (BMI 29) I’m so worried round 2 will just add on so much more. Any suggestion on what type of exercises I can do? Or how I can watch my weight during the process and after transfer?

I was advised not to do vigorous exercise during or after IVF, but different people will get different advice depending on their own circumstances. What I found helpful was going for a walk every day and watching my intake of food but not being overly restrictive (if I wanted a snack, I'd have one, but opt for fruit rather than chocolate if I wanted something sweet, for example). I didn't keep chocolate, ice-cream, crisps etc in the house, so if I wanted some, I'd need to walk the couple of minutes to the corner shop to get it. Usually, I either couldn't be bothered going, or by the time I'd get to the shop I'd want something healthier, but if I still wanted it then I'd get it and enjoy it. Life is hard enough without torturing ourselves over an occasional treat.

You could also look at meal prep services or brands like Huel, which have good information about portion sizes and nutrition, so you can enjoy your meals without worrying about over-eating unknowingly.

Good luck!

@Scirocco this is very helpful thanks and I hope that your round was successful. I’ll probably have to forget about going to the gym for sometime and even if we have positive results this time then I’ll have to consider really light exercises. I’m just too worried I’ll blow up like a balloon as I did the last time.

Thanks! Yes, the round has been successful so far... we're almost at the end of the third trimester now. I stuck with gentle exercise only and watching my diet, and I've kept my weight gain within the recommended range. Hopefully back to running and cycling in a couple of months!