It's not uncommon for women trying to conceive to wonder whether exercising may hinder their chances of conception, particularly if they've been trying for a long time. But exercise probably won't impair your ability to get pregnant. Exercise cannot shake a fertilized egg from your uterus. Neither can it, under normal circumstances, cause your reproductive organs to malfunction. Only women with low body fat and who engage in very intense exercise on a regular basis may have reason to be concerned.
Fitness While Trying to Conceive
Keeping fit while trying to conceive is an excellent idea. Being in healthy condition helps to give your baby a healthy start and can prepare you for the physical rigors of pregnancy. BabyCenter.com advises women trying to conceive to develop a regular exercise program. If you are not accustomed to exercise, start slow with a low- or moderate-intensity routine such as walking or yoga. If you already have a consistent exercise plan, there's no need to disrupt it because you are trying to conceive.
Too Much Exercise
While exercise alone is unlikely to hinder conception, regular intense workouts coupled with low body fat may affect fertility. According to Dr. Wendy Chang of InfertilitySpecialist.com, women with low body mass index may produce a reduced amount of estrogen, leading to irregularities in the menstrual cycle. An abnormal menstrual cycle can definitely lead to difficulty conceiving. While there is no single level of exercise appropriate for all women, if you work out intensely and have an irregular period, it may be a sign that you need to scale back when trying to conceive.
Exercises Beneficial for Fertility
Some forms of exercise are not only healthful for the body but considered to actively promote fertility. Yoga is one of these. According to Dr. Alice Domar, author of the book "Conquering Infertility Dr. Alice Domar's Mind/Body Guide to Enhancing Fertility and Coping With Infertility," yoga is a gentle form of exercise that relieves the body of stress and negative emotions that can inhibit fertility. She recommends women trying to conceive try hatha yoga to improve their chances.
Another type of exercise that some believe to boost fertility is qigong. Qigong, pronounced "chee-gong," is a collection of ancient Chinese exercises designed to bring a person to a completely relaxed state. Once the body is thoroughly relaxed, qi -- or energy -- can move freely through the body, flowing to those organs that need it most. For those trying to conceive, there are specific qigong exercises to bring energy to the reproductive organs.
When to Consult a Doctor
Infertility is defined as having well-timed, unprotected intercourse for more than 12 months without conceiving. If you meet this definition and believe that exercise may be hampering your chance of conception, speak to your doctor about your concerns before dropping your workout routine. You may have a physical problem that can be resolved without you having to give up exercise.
References
- Infertility Specialist: Body Fat, Exercise and Fertility
- Baby Center: Can I Exercise on My Most Fertility Days?
- "Conquering Infertility: Dr. Alice Domar's Mind/Body Guide to Enhancing Fertility and Coping With Infertility" by Dr. Alice Domar (2002)
- Baby Zone: Natural Alternatives: Treating Infertility Naturally
- Acufinder: Reproductive Fertility Qigong Exercises
