Physically active people lead a healthier life than those who aren’t. The same is the case with women undergoing IVF treatment, as moving enough offers multiple health benefits.
Exercising during IVF can significantly contribute to fertility in several aspects. Still, women need to take precautions and considerations regarding the intensity, frequency, and workout type they perform while undergoing fertility treatment. Moreover, knowing the dos and don’ts is essential before proceeding. Thus, this article.
Exercise Guidelines for IVF
Light to moderate workouts have proven to be beneficial for women undergoing IVF. They help improve circulation, balance hormones, and boost overall health, which in turn facilitates their ability to conceive. However, there are certain restrictions that women should follow by all means. The most important is to avoid strenuous or high-impact exercise as it can disturb the blood flow to the reproductive organs or cause injury.
In addition, infertility experts at the best IVF center in Ahmedabad recommend limiting exercise to gentle stretches, walking, or none when undergoing embryo transfer or hormone injection phases or if women have OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation syndrome).
Exercising During IVF: Do’s
It is crucial to consider the intensity of the exercise. Doctors usually recommend low intensity & impact exercises like:
- Walking: It is one of the best low-impact exercises to include in your workout routine. Start walking at your own pace, and increase duration and speed as per your comfort. Ensure to note how you feel as you continue to do so.
- Yoga: It combines breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and gentle stretching to reduce stress, improve flexibility, and promote mindfulness.
- Pilates: It includes mat-based restricted movements to suit varying fitness levels. This form of exercise focuses on the body’s stability, flexibility, and core strength.
In the pre-ovulation phase, yoga is often recommended to regulate blood flow and detox excessive hormones. However, it is best to avoid engaging in physical activities after the transfer and in the retrieval phase. Instead, engage in visualization and meditation to let the body heal.
Yoga should be nurturing and gentle once the tenderness from embryo transfer has subsided. It is best to practice and focus on stress-relieving poses like viparita karani (legs up the wall), supta baddha konasana (reclining bound angle pose), setu bandhasana (supported bridge pose), and balasana (child pose).
Those wishing to do exercises of moderate intensity and impact can choose swimming, tai chi, water aerobics, light weightlifting, and stationary cycling.
Exercise During IVF: Don’ts
Medical professionals strictly recommend avoiding high-intensity and impact exercises like:
- Contact Sports: Avoid engaging in sports like basketball, soccer, and football that carry the risk of collision or fall.
- High-Impact Activities: Activities like running, high-intensity impact workouts, jumping, sudden movements, or bouncing that puts the body under excessive pressure or stress should be avoided.
- Heavy Weight Lifting: Women undergoing IVF shouldn’t lift heavy weights as it puts high pressure on the abdominals. Additionally, avoid exercises that demand deep twists like deadlifts, squats, and overhead presses.
Wrapping Up
Exercising during IVF is undoubtedly beneficial but involves certain risks and complications. Therefore, it is important to consult doctors at the best women’s hospital in Ahmedabad before engaging in physical activity to ensure ideal intensity and frequency.
