Polyps are typically benign growths and appear in the cervix and colon. If you are pregnant, your doctor may recommend waiting until after delivery to have them removed. However, in some cases, you might have to undergo removal during pregnancy. Returning to exercise afterward requires a doctor's supervision to prevent complications and harm to you or your baby.
Polyps
A polyp is a mass of tissue that grows on your cervix or in your colon. Most polyps are not cancerous, but may interfere with fertility, menstruation, pain and bowel irregularities. Untreated polyps sometimes turn into cancer, which is why they often require removal at some point. Your doctor may wait to remove colon polyps until your baby is born, but cervical polyps may need prompt treatment during pregnancy since they can cause a miscarriage. The removal procedure is outpatient and less invasive than traditional surgeries, but exercise must be avoided for several days afterward.
Returning To Exercise
In most cases, polyp removal requires avoiding vigorous exercise for up to a week. However, during pregnancy, exercise restrictions might be greater and depend on your health status, weight, how far along you are in your pregnancy and the size and number of polyps removed. Work with your obstetrician to determine an appropriate amount and intensity of exercise after your polyp removal surgery. If your polyps have caused previous miscarriages, avoiding most types of exercise might be necessary before and after polyp removal.
Types of Exercise
After polyp removal, walking is suitable for most people, including those who are pregnant. This activity won't aggravate the area where the polyps were, but burns calories and keeps your body healthy. With your doctor's approval, swimming, light running, cycling, stair stepping, yoga, aerobics and dance are ideal forms of exercise during pregnancy. After polyp removal, return to these activities gradually and stop if you feel any discomfort or pain and contact your doctor. Exercise is important during pregnancy because it eases delivery and helps you return to your pre-baby body. However, if you must have polyps removed, your normal routine is likely to require alterations.
Considerations
Very strenuous exercise is not recommended during pregnancy for your safety and the safety of your baby. Regardless of the recommendations after polyp removal, you will likely have to wait until after your baby is born to engage in such exercises as skiing, water sports and horseback riding. The American Pregnancy Association recommends keeping your heart rate under 140 beats per minute when working out while pregnant. Follow this guideline after polyp removal during pregnancy as well.
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