exercise and IUI

[Indadhanu]

Hi scooby,

I keep up my exercise, though I don't do high intensity workouts or weights, only walking, yoga, tai chi, and a little around the house aerobics. I definately wouldn't stop exercising, though I would lower the intensity a bit if I was doing anything really strenuous.

I guess that stems mainly from warnings about not lifting anything too heavy when pregnant... though is that just a warning for second trimester and beyond...?

I don't know about exercise causing detrimental overheating, though it would be interesting to find out... I'm off to google it lol!

EDIT:
Ok, temperature should be no more than 38 Celcius after exercising, or you risk overheating.

And found something on weight lifting...

Weight training strengthens and tones muscles and helps build stamina, which you'll need to cope with the demands of labour. To keep fit, you'll need to perform a set number of exercises using free weights and resistance training machines (such as the ones you find in gyms and athletic clubs).

Because you're pregnant, you'll need to avoid certain positions, such as the Valsalva manoeuvre (forcefully pushing or exerting pressure while holding your breath); this causes a rise in abdominal pressure and can affect blood pressure. You'll need to work with lighter weights (no more than five pounds or 2.5 kgs), but to compensate for this, you can do more repetitions.

First trimester
You can probably continue your regular routine, but pay attention to your technique. Use slow, controlled movements to lift weights, rather than relying on momentum to hoist them up. This will avoid injuring your joints, which are loosened by the pregnancy hormone relaxin.

Second trimester
Beginning in the second trimester, you should avoid lifting weights while standing up. Sit down because you have an increase in blood volume. Blood vessel walls are affected by the pregnancy hormones and you are more prone to varicose veins and pooling of blood in the lower limbs. This can leave you feeling lightheaded and dizzy.

Third trimester
Take the same precautions as you did for the first and second trimesters.

Though since you're doing IUI and not pregnant yet I don't know whether this is going to be helpful... Maybe just someting to keep in mind...? Dos you dr know heavy the weights are? Maybe tell them the weights you lift, and see what they think is ok during an IUI?