The only exception to this is if you are pursuing a fresh transfer, which is when you're not freezing the embryos, but rather transferring an embryo immediately a week after the egg retrieval. This isn't the most common method with modern-day IVF, but it's important to be aware that that is an option. If you are using this process, the focus should be on creating a calm and stable environment for the embryo to implant and grow, and the same exercise modifications should remain in place.
During these time periods that require modifications, consider low-impact activities such as walking, light stretching, or workouts that avoid any stress on your core, such as standing arms. These forms of exercise can help maintain overall fitness and well-being without putting undue stress on your body. Dr. Lucky suggests that maintaining a balanced approach to exercise, tailored to the specific demands of your IVF treatment, can contribute to better outcomes and a more manageable fertility journey.
Over-Exercising and Not Listening to Your Body
Whether you're undergoing a fertility journey or not, over-exercising can be dangerous and lead to injury if you're not paying attention to what your body needs. It's even more important to be mindful of this as you embark on the IVF journey. We want to stress that tuning into your body's signals and recognizing when you might be pushing too hard is crucial.
During IVF, your body is already under significant stress from fertility medications and procedures like egg retrieval and embryo transfer. Adding the strain of over-exercising can exacerbate these stresses, potentially affecting the quality of your eggs, the uterine lining, and the overall environment for embryo implantation. Over-exercising can lead to physical fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and even disrupt your menstrual cycle, all of which can negatively impact fertility. At the end of the day, you’re the one who knows you best, so listen to your body and consult your fertility specialist if you’re feeling unsure!
