Dumb question: Exercise restrictions.

[knx9211]

I remember people saying that their RE/OB had them cut back, specifically with regard to running. Can you tell me what they said/why?

We’re starting an FET cycle (like. Today. Holy shit. I am questioning my readiness although I know we are ready). I had GD when pregnant with DS and my numbers are still wonky. OB told me to be prepared to get it again. So I’m going to start the diet early and try to get some exercise in. I have an elliptical. Anyone ever been told to cut back on that or modify?

Yes I can ask my doctor but I’m at work and wish I wasn’t so i thought that I would ask you instead.

[cactuscookie]

My understanding is that the main reason they don't want you to exercise is the risk of ovarian torsion due to the weight of all the growing eggs in your ovaries - so that only applies when you're doing a retrieval, not for a FET.

That being said, doctors differ on their recommendations for exercise during non-retrieval cycles, so you'll have to see what yours says. But unless they had a really good reason that actually seemed valid (not like, "we don't really know but it sounds good in theory, so avoid exercise, just in case"), I would at least do some light exercise, like walking a couple miles a day, or the equivalent on the elliptical.

[pooh8402]

My first RE, during my first IVF cycle when I had the OHSS, had me stop heavy activity when I started stims, specifically to reduce the risk 9f ovarian torsion. I could walk but not run/jog. I could swim, I could ride a stationary bike, I could do yoga but not the inverted poses. I had to quit zumba which it was my main form of exercise then.

I wasn't exercising during my subsequent IVF cycles.

For my FETs, I never got exercise restrictions really, but was just told modified bedrest for 24-48 hours after the transfer.

[scm1011]

My RE is strict in regards to exercise, and was told to cut out running ~3 months prior to my FET (we compromised with limiting to ~7 miles a week, but she let me know she did not like it and thought it was a bad idea). She said it thinned your lining, and for someone like me who was already on the lower end of the normal BMI range losing any body fat was a bad idea when trying to get pregnant. Despite her warning, my lining was great on FET day (I think 8.5) and the transfer was successful.

I am now 8+2 and started running again at about 6 weeks, again pseudo-against my RE's wishes. She had me on full exercise restriction until 12 weeks with my fresh cycle (which I followed, I was worried about torsion), and would prefer I did the same this time, but reluctantly told me "its your choice, just keep the effort and mileage low" after we saw the heartbeat. I've been running 2-3 miles 2-3x a week since then and will build up from there slowly to the 15-20 miles a week I maintained last pregnancy.

Good luck with the cycle - so exciting!

[knx9211]

Thank you guys!! They told me I can return to normal the day after transfer, but I’m just so nervous. I cut out all exercise with DS. I know in my head that something as low-impact as the elliptical likely wouldn’t cause harm. But with a prior loss, I can’t help but be scared. And that if something DID go wrong, even thought it’s unlikely to be caused by exercise, that I would blame myself forever and ever.

What a mess.

[woowoo]

Oct 23, 2018 12:00:57 GMT -5 knx9211 said:

Thank you guys!! They told me I can return to normal the day after transfer, but I’m just so nervous. I cut out all exercise with DS. I know in my head that something as low-impact as the elliptical likely wouldn’t cause harm. But with a prior loss, I can’t help but be scared. And that if something DID go wrong, even thought it’s unlikely to be caused by exercise, that I would blame myself forever and ever.

What a mess.

Girl, I hear you.
I got a flu shot 3 days before we lost our baby in February.  I will forever and ever and ever regret that decision and even know am irrationally waiting on my flu shot until after 12 weeks.  I tried to get mine last week and had a panic attack in the parking lot and couldn't go in.  I won't. 

There are so many low impact things you can do (including body weight exercises) that might put your mind at rest but still get your heart rate up.   I would start there and with the elliptical and see how you feel emotionally and physically. 

 

[knx9211]

woowoo it’s such a mind fuck I’m sorry you had to deal with that stress of trying to get a flu shot recently. I don’t blame you for waiting, my anxiety would make me do the same. So glad to see your strong heartbeat news!! Fingers crossed for another good u/s soon!

[luv2rn4fun]

My RE and OB did not allow me to run after I had my first loss. Even when I got pregnant with DS1 and was through first tri and furthest along than the previous two, I asked my OB and she said she wasn’t in favor for it in her event that I had another loss. She was looking out for my mental health and not letting there be anything I could place blame on if I did have another loss. I also didn’t run with DS2 for the same reasons. Totally sucked but worth it in the end.