IVF and exercising

[Firsttime2023]

I am just about to start my second egg collection (starting stims next week). I had my first round in September last year and have had two failed transfers. During my first round I stopped all exercise except walking. The last 2-3 months I have started exercising again (running, Pilates and strength) and I forgot how much I need/rely on it! My mental health got so bad and I started hating my body so to finally be in a place where I feel like myself again I am scared to go back to that dark place if I stop exercising.
I will speak to my new clinic about what they advise but does anyone have any advice on exercising during IVF? Part of me feels like I didn’t do any exercise the last two times and it still failed so shall I just carry on as normal? Maybe just cut back on the running?

I reduced my exercise to walking and yoga during my successful IVF. Then once I had the BFP also light swimming. Really prioritised on decent rest too because I don't know about you but I felt really tired. Take care & good luck! Xx

I’m not an expert, but it seems to me that Pilates and strength training aren’t typically considered heavy lifting :) However, every situation is individual, so it’s best to consult your doctor.

I cut back on running during stims because I was told by my clinic that your ovaries get larger and this can cause ovarian contortion. I also just didn’t feel very comfortably physically when running (possibly because I developed OHSS?) I had my egg collection in early June and ran 10k at then end of June so it didn’t take long to get back into it.

I’ve always been told by my private clinic and the NHS, if you are active before IVF and pregnancy, keep it up unless there’s a medical reason not to

Continue with your activities. You only need to slow down if its extreme heavy lifting or when your feeling tired or uncomfortable.