If you're undergoing assisted reproduction treatment, you might be wondering whether it's safe to continue your usual exercise routine. How frequently and at what intensity should you work out during treatment? And once you're pregnant, is it still okay to maintain your level of physical activity? In this post, we’ll answer all your questions.
Sport and Assisted Reproduction: Is It Safe to Exercise?
The answer is yes, but with some adjustments. Contrary to the belief that leading a more sedentary lifestyle during treatment can benefit ovarian stimulation, research has not shown this to positively affect pregnancy outcomes.
In fact, exercise during treatment can help reduce stress throughout the process, especially during the Beta Wait (the waiting period before your pregnancy test). However, you should modify your physical activity. During ovarian stimulation, avoid heavy physical activities, as your ovaries enlarge, which can lead to abdominal pain. Instead, opt for moderate activities such as walking.
After the treatment, during the two-week wait to find out if the pregnancy has been successful, avoid high-energy sports and strenuous exercise.
Can You Exercise While Pregnant?
If your pregnancy is progressing well, regular exercise is beneficial for both you and your baby. Studies show that exercise during pregnancy can improve the cardiovascular and circulatory system of the fetus, providing a boost of oxygen for its metabolism.
For the mother, the benefits of physical activity include:
Strengthening pelvic muscles
Improving physical stamina and lung capacity
Regulating bowel movement
Boosting the immune system
Exercise can also help alleviate common pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue, stress, insomnia, lower back pain, and cramps.
However, in some cases, your gynecologist may advise against physical activity, especially if you have a multiple pregnancy, premature rupture of membranes, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, a history of miscarriages, or cardiovascular problems. Always consult your doctor before exercising during pregnancy.
Which Sports Should You Avoid During Pregnancy?
To avoid putting your baby at risk, it’s important to moderate your exercise and avoid certain activities:
Contact sports like judo, boxing, football, or basketball due to the risk of falls and impacts.
Underwater activities like scuba diving or snorkeling, which involve long periods of breathing control or decompression.
Risky activities such as climbing, skydiving, rafting, paragliding, snowboarding, or water skiing, which could result in falls or accidents.
Sports that require high-intensity effort or abrupt movements, heavy weights, or activities that put strain on the pelvic area, such as weightlifting, trampoline jumping, and horseback riding.
If you were not exercising regularly before pregnancy, consider low-impact activities like slow walks or bike rides on flat terrain. As pregnancy progresses, it’s safer to switch to a stationary bike to prevent falls.
Exercise Recommendations During Pregnancy
Follow these tips to exercise safely during pregnancy:
Always warm up before starting.
Stay hydrated before, during, and after your workout.
Stretch your muscles after finishing.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and use a hat for sun protection if you’re outdoors.
Monitor your heart rate and avoid exceeding a safe level, as the baby’s heart rate also increases as a protective mechanism.
Avoid activities that significantly raise your body temperature, whether from exercise or from a hot environment.
Stop physical activity immediately and consult your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Dizziness
Palpitations or shortness of breath
Severe pelvic pain or back pain
Bleeding or hemorrhage
Leaking amniotic fluid
Is It Safe to Exercise After Childbirth?
During the puerperium (the postpartum period), gradually increase your physical activity, with medical supervision, starting about six weeks after delivery. This will help you ease back into your exercise routine after giving birth. If you had a C-section, avoid exercise for at least two months to protect your pelvic floor.
In conclusion, a well-designed exercise plan provides numerous benefits during assisted reproductive treatment and pregnancy. You don’t need to give up sport, but always follow the recommendations of your medical team to ensure a healthy and safe experience for you and your baby.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nicosia Fertility—we're here to support you every step of the way
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