The Typical IVF Cycle
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an effective procedure to help people having difficulty conceiving. The process is not guaranteed, but thousands of people see success every year. IVF starts with extracting eggs and sperm. Next, embryos are created and implanted into the woman’s uterus. From there, the medical team monitors for pregnancy. The typical IVF cycle takes several weeks, and some couples often need multiple cycles to achieve a pregnancy.
Should you exercise during IVF?
While undergoing IVF, many people believe the best thing to do is quit exercising to avoid complications. There are unique situations where the doctor will suggest bed rest or no exercise. However, in almost all cases, exercise is a massive benefit for IVF patients. Staying put will not cause any harm, but a lack of exercise won’t do any good either. The important thing is not to perform any exercise that can compromise IVF outcomes. Lifting heavy weights, high-intensity interval training, and contact sports are typical examples that should be avoided. The goal is to stick to gentle, low-impact exercises that can improve physical and mental health.
Get in those steps
Walking is one of the best exercises IVF patients can do to maintain fitness. Daily walks help with heart health, cardiovascular fitness, and tone the body. Walking is low impact, meaning there is a lower risk of complications. This exercise also prevents certain pregnancy complications that can occur from a sedentary lifestyle. Keep a slow, steady pace. Increase the intensity only if approved by the doctor.
Try some yoga
Breathe in, breathe out. Yoga has been around for thousands of years. The original purpose was to achieve mental and spiritual strength through specific body movements. Today, while this is still a core purpose, many people use yoga for health and wellness purposes. The yoga flow and poses lengthen and strengthen the body, which can be crucial for reproductive health. Prenatal yoga, for instance, involves simple movements that minimize the risk of injury while preparing the body for childbirth.
Water exercises
Hitting the pool is an excellent way to exercise without the risk of injury. Aqua aerobics or swimming for 20-30 minutes is enough to maintain muscular and cardiovascular strength. Swimming also has a minimal impact since the body becomes weightless in water. Doctors also consider swimming to be one of the safest exercises while pregnant. IVF can be a stressful process. Time in the pool helps relieve that stress, improves circulation, and can even lead to a smoother pregnancy.
Morning stretch
A simple stretching routine is enough to support IVF patients when all else fails. Stretching, like yoga, is a series of movements to lengthen the muscles. IVF patients can activate joints and muscles through specific exercises, reducing pain and discomfort. Stretching also improves circulation, reduces stiffness, and helps patients prepare for IVF. The exercises can be done several times daily.
The path to pregnancy
In vitro fertilization helps thousands of infertile couples get pregnant every year. The process has seen many advancements to improve the success rate. However, general health can also impact the results. Exercise is one of the best ways to improve physical and mental health, prepare the body for IVF, and positively impact pregnancy if achieved. The goal is to perform exercises that are gentle yet effective. Try walking, yoga, swimming, or stretching unless otherwise advised by a doctor.
