http://www.healthnfitnesscare.com/is-it-safe-to-exercise-while-trying-to-conceive.html
August 11th, 2010
RJS KOCHHAR 
Every girl knows that health and fitness is of paramount importance
when we are trying to conceive a baby. We all spend more time than we
should reading articles on the internet and researching how we can
maximize our chances of getting pregnant quickly. If you are currently
trying for a baby, you have probably given up alcohol and cigarettes (if
you smoked to begin with). Should you give up exercise, too?There are many things that we can do to increase our fertility. These include eating healthily and taking prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements. The healthier we are, the more likely we are to get pregnant, and to get pregnant soon after ditching the birth control. You might be taking proactive steps to speed up conception, such as using an ovulation calendar, buying ovulation predictor kits, and charting your fertility. Has the thought that exercising could lessen your chances of conceiving a baby crossed your mind at all?
If it has, stop that thought right there! Women who are fit are more likely to conceive. Exercise keeps your body in top condition, and reduces stress, which in turn boosts fertility. Working out is great for women who are trying to conceive a baby. The benefits of regular work outs pre-pregnancy can last well into your pregnancy, and even post pregnancy. If you are in great physical condition, pregnancy will be easier on you, and you will birth more easily too – because birth is essentially vigorous exercise, much like a marathon. And everyone knows that participating in a marathon requires training. On top of that, your body will return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly.
Having said all that, it is probably appropriate to mention that there are schools of thought who hold that having an elevated body temperature during pregnancy could harm a fetus, because they are unable to sweat and cool down their temperature. Some studies even suggest that professional athletes have lower chances of conceiving a baby. I assume that this has something to do with testosterone levels. On the other end of the spectrum, physical inactivity and obesity are also known to make conception less likely. If you are simply an active, healthy woman who likes to exercise to keep fit, you are doing yourself, your body, and your baby a great service!
It does not have to stop once you get a positive pregnancy test, either. Keeping fit when you are pregnant is an important part of your prenatal care, and exercising in pregnancy is totally safe too – as long as you pick your work-out routinely wisely. Once you have developed a baby bump and your uterus has extended significantly, abs-crunches are obviously out. But walking, swimming, cycling and pregnancy yoga are all wonderful forms of exercise during pregnancy. Any doctor or midwife will tell you that keeping active while you are expecting is safe and healthy.
