The Hot Yoga Doctor – Free Bikram and Hot Yoga Resources › Hot Yoga Doctor Forum › The Hot Yoga Poses › Ustrasana › In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
The Hot Yoga Doctor – Free Bikram and Hot Yoga Resources › Hot Yoga Doctor Forum › The Hot Yoga Poses › Ustrasana › In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
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Hi Gabrielle, I am fairly new to your site and have I have found it to be so informative and helpful! I have been practicing Bikram yoga since November 2007, anywhere from three to five times weekly. It is the only form of exercise that I have thourougly enjoyed and connected with in my entire workout regime:) In April, I completed a thirty day challenge which was exhilliartitng, however, I am in a bit of a tough position now. I am 38 years of age, and I am trying to concieve my second child. I am under the care of fertility specialists, as it has been seven years since my first child, and within the next two or so weeks will have IVF fertilization. Currently I am injecting Lupron every morning until I menstruate. Then I will inject Menopur, with daily blood work and ultra sounds, until follicle maturity and retrieval. Menoupr will assist my body to produce multiple follicles for retrieval. Anytime I mention Bikram yoga to my physicians and their nurses, the ademantly tell me to stop practicing Bikram yoga when my ovaries become overly stimulated…(in order to produce multiple folicles for retrieval)due to risks of tortion. They further instruct me that I should not practice ‘this type’ of yoga until I give birth. They admit that they know little about Bikram yoga other than the fact that it is 105 degrees, and therefore they conclude that it is unhealthy for pregnancy. My yoga instructors, as well as other certified bikram teachers I have met and practiced with, inform me that after the first trimester I am safe to practice the modified poses, (for example Rajashree’s Pregnancy yoga) which they are willing to modify for me during practice in the studio. Most friends and family, including my husband, object to me questioning my physician’s direction/instruction, and criticize me for being adamant in finding out answers as to why it is seen as a risk. I realize that I am sacrificing a lot to undergo this procedure, and it will be a blessing when I hear that it was a success. In no way would I ever jeapordize the health of my unborn child or myself, but I am just not convinced hearing that Bikram yoga is unsafe from anyone that knows little about it. Can you please offer me any advice or suggested readings, perhaps that I can share with my medical doctors, as to the pros and cons of practicing Bikram yoga while preganant? If I must give up practicing for the safey of myself and my baby I will, but I would like some facts as to why, other than it is compared to as being in a hot tub or sauna!!!!
I am looking forward to a healthy pregnancy and continuing to practice modified Bikram yoga.
Thank you in advance, Christy AnnHi Christy Ann
You sound as though you desperately want to know for sure that what you feel is right. That doing the yoga is good for you. A lot of it is going to boil down to your belief. And at the same time you want to feel that you have given every aspect due consideration.
Would you mind telling me if it is only the torsion movements that the specialists are concerned with?
Most people who are are unfamiliar with Bikram or Hot Yoga are frankly ignorant of the reasons and the effects of the heat. So rather than investigating it they react by saying it is no good for you. They are afraid of what they don’t know about.
But let’s take this from your perspective. How is it affecting you? Playing with your hormones may indeed change your comfort levels in the heat. What has been your experience so far? Do you feel the same in the heat or are there times where you feel nauseous or fragile (or something else that is different to your regular non-treatment experience)?
There may be some things that you can do. I am wondering though if you could first answer the above questions.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Hi Gabrielle!
Thank you for getting back to me:) The specialists are concerned about ‘ovary torsion’ while the ovaries become overly stimulated, before retrieval. Then they advise me that once I am pregnant, the heat is very dangerous and unhealthy… even after the first trimester. That is when they compare Bikram yoga to a hot tub, sauna or steam room. And yes, you are right, they know nothing about Bikram yoga, nor have they heard about it until I inform them. Once they hear 105 degree ‘heat’ they automatically say it is out of the question, emphatically.
So far I feel great during practice. I do feel some of the effects of the hormones, bloating, night sweats, etc., but not during my practice. I feel equally as strong as I did before the hormones, and I always make sure I am properly hydrated. Hopefully you can point me in the direction of where to find literature (other than Bikram’s site:) that I can pass on to my physicians.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Best regards, Christy AnnHi Christy Ann
It really sounds as if you feel OK with and about your practice. If torsion is what you need to avoid then you can do that with some modifications: time for some private messaging methinks.
they compare Bikram yoga to a hot tub, sauna or steam room
Bikram and hot yoga are often erroneously compared to exercising in a sauna or steam room or sitting in a hot tub. In these places, there is really not the opportunity to cool down. The temperatures are higher than body temperature and there really can be some risk. If you have ever felt faint even having a bath just during your period, you will be aware of some element of danger.
If you are to continue practice then get a real indication of the temperatures in your studio. Find out how well it is controlled and whether they can set it at 98-100F when you are in the room (ie body temperature). It is my strong belief that you don’t need to have the temperature too high no matter who you are. Take a look at this thread about studio heating: Is the studio I go to over-heating the room?
As for literature… would you be willing to wait a little while I try to find some resources for you? Just a bit busy at the moment, but it is on my action list.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Hi Christy Ann
I noticed your post and thought I would share with you. I have been doing Bikram for about 7 years and in the last 3.5 trying to conceive. After the first year of trying naturally we ventured into the world of IVF. When we decided to start a family I took up ashtanga yoga for 1 year, as I was warned about the heat, plus my partner as well, the heat is no good for this swimmers. Naturally I really missed my hot yoga, whilst undergoing the fertility drugs, I didn’t venture in the hot room. With every disappointment I would do one month hot yoga to detox my body of the hormones and felt great. Then would start another IVF cycle. This went on for 9 attempts. I was relaxed yet so sad by the constant negative result. Yoga gave me the focus to claim my body back and be present in the now.
I also used acupuncture, meditation and keeping as stress-free as possible and Goyin (healthy energy drink) this year we had success and happy to note I am almost 6 months pregnant! I am looking forward to getting back in the hot room once baby comes and get my body back, it is the complete workout!
I also consulted local teachers at my studio and one was pregnant during her teaching classes, she mentioned that pregnant women who do hot yoga tend to have low birth weight babies. So that was enough for me to take time out and rejoin later.
I sincerely hope you have had success with your latest cycle,
namasteCongratulations Heart
I am very happy that your years of trying are paying off. 🙂
Regarding your quote:
I also consulted local teachers at my studio and one was pregnant during her teaching classes, she mentioned that pregnant women who do hot yoga tend to have low birth weight babies.
I totally respect everyone’s decisions to practice or not to practice whatever style of yoga for just about any reason. I wanted to politely bring up that any ‘advice’ you get about birth weights and effect on pregnancy from ANYONE is completely anecdotal. There have been NO studies about the effect of hot yoga on pregnancies or the fetuses. Please take all of this with a grain of salt. One person’s opinion is still just that – opinion. Taking a generalized statement like that as truth is ‘dangerous’ because not only is it not backed by any figures at all (ie no quoting of normal birth weights or mentioning what is considered to be low) she is likely to be going on someone else’s opinion too. Most of these opinions are grounded in fear and ignorance.
Mind you, I am definitely NOT saying that it is safe to do hot yoga during pregnancy. I practiced all the way through and my girl was 2 weeks overdue, perfectly healthy, normal weight. The yoga was definitely great for me. I listened to my body and did what felt right.
Sometimes we take on someone’s opinion as gospel to justify what our bodies are actually saying, rather than recognizing our innate intelligence. There is no universal right or wrong. There is only what is right for you.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Hi Gabrielle,
I just read the above posts about hot yoga, IVF and pregnancy. When my husband and I started trying to conceive I was convinced that I would do hot yoga throughout my pregnancy, just like my instructor did with her 2 kids and the many pregnant women I see in the room all the time. After a year of trying with no success, we are now starting the IVF process. Now I am not so sure about practicing, but fear giving it up as it is the one thing in my life that gives me the balance I need. You mentioned previously that you were going to find some literature concerning hot yoga and pregnancy. I was just wondering if those might be available and if you have any other advice to give.
thanks.Hi Sara
May I ask what you have been specifically warned about and who has warned you? If someone cautioned you against hot yoga what were the reasons? If it is heat, then what would the caution be to someone who lived in a hot climate (from this same source)? I am not being flippant here because surely people have IVF in tropical climates. We are about to enter our summer here where the temperatures can be consistently at studio levels(!) for a month or 2. It’s not entirely the same situation but it is worth asking these questions.
Also now that you have started your IVF process I would be interested to know if you have actually given up your hot yoga. Have you noticed any changes in your body’s ability to deal with heat (in or out of the studio)?
I didn’t find any studies at the time (even as indicated in the post preceding yours) that were specific to the issue at hand. I imagine that you would probably find the same resources as me given some judicious searching.
Have you considered doing the yoga at home in a warm room or even a room heated to body temperature? If you read any of my posts on pregnancy and hot yoga I always caution against practicing in heat about about 100F if for nothing more than peace of mind.
It seems to me you have no issue with being pregnant in the hot room (am I right?) it seems more about bringing the IVF into the mix.
Have you got any developments for me?
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Hi Gabrielle,
Thanks so much for your reply. The warnings I received are from a family physician who said he has never personally done hot yoga or knew much about it, but that pregnant woman should not go into hot tubs and the like for fear of over heating. Right there my warning bells went off. How can you tell me not to do something if you know nothing about it? This was all before we even started talking about IVF. I haven’t spoken to anyone speciifcally about hot yoga post IVF. These are my own fears which are compounded becasue I can’t seem to find reliable information about it.I am still doing hot yoga now as the IVF will be starting in January. And you are correct, I have no problem with the heat and pregnancy. I’ve seen so many women go through my studio from 1 month to 9 months and all have had healthy bikram babies! And so many tell me how calm their children are. That’s enough to convince me of the benefits right there!
I guess somehow I just feel like my pregnancy, becasue it will happen through IVF (hopefully), is somehow more fragile…silly and irrational, I know, but I just can’t shake it. In the same breath I really want to stay healthy and flexible and in good shape throughout my pregnancy.
I will continue practicing until the day we go in for our procedure and have a nice long chat with the doctors and nurses at the clinic about it.
saraps. I had to giggle when I read your question about how my body is handling the heat in and OUT of the studio. Out of the studio is not much of an issue for me as we have entered our winter season here and I woke up to -30 degrees C this morning. Wish I was there!!
Hi Sara
So does that mean you are not getting your hormone injections yet? I somehow thought you may already be experiencing the possibility of fluctuations in comfort that can come with the therapy! Minus 30 – that is not a number that describes temperature, is it? Brrrrrrrrrrr. On the contrary, here, today in the morning it is already 30C.
On my post of June 1 on this page I am sure you read that I think that sitting in a sauna or a hot tub are not good comparisons to doing hot yoga because your body has no chance to cool down in the sauna and tub.
If it were me I would be more likely to ask questions about why the body is considered to be more fragile and what is happening that some people suggest limited movements (for example torsions/twists). It’s a given that your professional medical staff are going to err on the side of caution and yes, ignorance. This is not a mainstream exercise … yet! I would ask my questions (at least to begin with – independent of mention of hot yoga). I would probably only divulge that if you feel trust for the individuals as demonstrated by their answers to your other questions.
I would ask what they routinely suggest regarding exercise. Do they for example suggest that IVF patients don’t run, or not swim or not play tennis and then ask the associated why question. Then you would get a more sensible response that you can act on. The question is perhaps whether normal activity is OK to continue during the IVF process. Normal is different for everyone. At the moment, your normal is your hot yoga practice.
If you started the process and you found you could no longer ride a bike comfortably, because of some physiological reaction like faintness, you would stop riding a bike.
I think I have recommended in here that you make sure that the temperatures never exceed body temperature or thereabouts (even for ‘normal’ pregnancies). Find out the temps and then work to your ability. Don’t be a hero, if you feel faint stop, do one set instead of 2. You know what to do – I am sure.
You are the one who takes responsibility, you are the one in your body. Try it (or not) because it is your choice and not someone else’s.
The ‘fragile’ argument is perhaps irrational but then that is maybe because this is to be your first child. If you haven’t experienced a pregnancy (full term or otherwise) then this is the great unknown for you. If this were your 2nd or 3rd pregnancy maybe you would feel differently.
If you decide to continue or if you decide to stop then it will be based on your own good judgment and not based on someone’s ignorance or scaremongering. It may be that the treatment that you undergo in the beginning has you feeling unable to withstand the hot room for a short while. That doesn’t put you out of action for the whole pregnancy. It may only mean that you miss out for a couple of months (should you decide). With your significant experience I would think that it is really not an all or none approach for you.
I look forward to hearing what you decide in the fullness of time!
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Hi.
My name is Marie, I have been a Bikram yogi for eight years now. I have just completed a 21 day IVF protocol treatment course, during which I practiced Bikram yoga. I found it helped me to deal with the daily injections, scans and blood tests, as the yoga makes me feel good (simple).
As my body was responding too quickly to the medication (which is very common), they told me I was likely to get Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome. The nurse said to take care when twisting so not to agravate the ovaries, so I stopped practicing for one week.
As I was feeling good and my tummy was slowly deflating, I chose to go back to Bikram yoga after one week’s rest, only to discover that a yoga teacher at my studio has stopped practicing as she was advised to do, because of her IVF treatment. Since hearing that, I contacted my IVF nurse and asked what I should do, without given any reason or time scale, he advised me to stop practicing. I have asked him to give me some information on the reason they are advising me to stop and how long for, I’m awaiting a response.
Moral of the story.. I practiced Bikram yoga throughout my treatment with a break for one week. They said to carry on with my usual routine, but to be careful not to over do it, and so, I contuined practicing Bikram in the cooler part of the room and took time out from some of the postures. I am four days away from doing my pregnancy test. I am feeling very positive and very pregnant at the moment i.e. big throbbing boobs!
Good luck to you on making a very difficult decision. My advise it to listen to you’re body.. mine was shouting at me to do Bikram yoga.. and so, I did.
Marie
Hi Marie
I really appreciate you sharing your story. It is great to hear from someone who has followed their inner wisdom.
I can really understand the reticence of professionals to recommend certain activities. It’s sage advice to not ‘overdo’ anything. I sense that since with IVF it is a contrived situation where for a while you are forcing the body out of its balance that you would want to be very mindful and conscientious about your activities. For this reason I can understand why one can follow someone’s opinion without question. To even get to the IVF program you acknowledge there were probably difficulties in becoming or staying pregnant. It’s natural for there to be extra caution in dealing with these situations.
Thank you for your hot yoga vote! This must be an exciting time for you. I wish you every success. If you’re willing please update us.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂 -
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