Exercise and the 2ww

[Boston07]

Like everyone here, I have been TTC for a long time - 2 years in August. I just had my second IUI yesterday and am pretty hopeful for this cycle!

I am a distance runner and typically run a full marathon each fall. This means that I start training in June, so I have just begun to really kick myself into higher gear. I find myself feeling torn about intense workout during the 2ww and wonder if others do too. I took it easy today, given that the IUI was just yesterday. But tomorrow is my regular track workout night and that is a high intensity workout.

My gut says to go and live my life and not let infertility drive every decision. If I end up not training properly AND not getting pregnant, I will be miserable throu the fall. Running is my social outlet and I am sure it keeps me emotionally balanced.

I actually have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow with my RE and plan to bring this up. When I met her, 6 months ago, I wasn't running quite as many miles a week as I am now and not at the same intensity. I am a little afraid she will tell me to stop. I guess we'll see.

 

[tamithomas]

Even if she does, like you said IF should not control every part of your schedule. Besides, women for thousands of years are known for walking miles upon miles while being 8 months BFP lol. I wouldn't worry about it

 

[tlm]

Hey Boston, I just replied to your other thread on this. My RE says not to restrict your exercise in the tww. If your body is used to your routine then you should be fine. He also reassured me that he is checking my hormones, I am ovulating, and getting a Erik's regularly so the exercise isn't hurting anything.

Here is he article I posted in their other thread...

https://health.msn.com/pregnancy/exercise-while-pregnant-some-docs-say-‘yes’-some-say-‘no’

I would love to hear what your doctor has to say too!! Good luck!!

 

[Boston07]

Thanks for the replies! I did end up doing my track workout last night. It's my second IUI and I actually feel quite bloated, which didn't happen with the first. But, I needed to get out there for my own sanity.

I had a good talk with my RE about it. Her initial reaction was "I don't think you should train for a marathon." She went on to explain that she thought if we kept doing IUIs and potentially IVF that it's too much on the body. I am actually not sure I'm ready to deal with the thought of IVF quite yet. We agreed that if I'm pregnant from this IUI a few days ago - great! I'll stop marathon training in that instance, obviously. If I am not, we are going to take a break from medications and I can try naturally through October while running as much as I want. Once my race is over, I would feel ready to get into IVF. To me, this is a much better alternative than continuing to do all the medications and run the risk of not getting pregnant by the fall - and then be left angry that I gave up the opportunity to run a marathon and have fun training with my friends all throughout the fall for nothing.

Thank you for the link. I am looking forward to reading it. I do feel strongly that a certain level of exercise while pregnant must be OK, but I understand that the intensity of repeated track workouts and 20 mile runs might be a bit much. One day, if I ever get pregnant, I know I will have to make adjustments! But if I have a real reason, I will be happy to do that.

I have been TTC for almost two years and seeing the RE for six months. We did a couple medicated cycles with timed intercourse before the IUIs. I have felt all along that, for me, it's important not to let this overtake my life. I want to have a baby, but I need to keep who I am in perspective throughout all of this. My RE talked about she recognizes how challenging it is for people TTC that there are no guarantees and no certain dates. For example, you know if you go to college and work hard for four years, you come out the other end with a degree. You can do everything they say and still not come up pregnant! That is exactly that part that is getting to me. I am ready to take a medication break and train for this race because I know, with running, I will get out of it what I put into it.

 

[tlm]

Boston, I totally understand how you feel and think you are making the right choice! I am coming up on 2 years ttc this August and am on my 4th iui. I have already made the decision if we have to do ivf, I will be restricting my workout regime a lot for my own piece of mind. I am sure my doctor will say its ok to do something.

 

[Boston07]

Thanks. Yeah, IVF seems more invasive and if/when we get there I want to be "all in" but I am just not ready yet. In a weird way, it really helps me to think that if I get a BFN this month, at least I can keep running really fast . I guess that is a little healthier than thinking at least I can drink a lot of wine! Although that helps too!