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Physical activity significantly influences fertility and pregnancy health. Moderate, consistent exercise helps regulate hormones that supports ovulation and reproductive function.
Mindful movement during pregnancy reduces discomforts.
When preparing the body for motherhood, movement can be one of the most powerful tools. Exercise doesn’t just build strength. It also nurtures hormonal balance, enhances circulation, and supports mental well-being, all of which are vital for conception and a healthy pregnancy. From preconception fitness to prenatal care, experts emphasise that the key lies not in intensity but in consistency and balance.
Exercise And Fertility: The Power Of Movement
“Physical activity plays a transformative role in both fertility and pregnancy health. The goal isn’t intensity but balance. Moderate, consistent exercise helps regulate hormones, supporting ovulation and overall reproductive function,” says Dr. Sonu Taxak, Director & Senior IVF Consultant, Yellow Fertility.
Simple, low-impact workouts like brisk walking, yoga, and swimming are among the best ways to promote reproductive health. These exercises enhance blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, improving egg and sperm quality while helping the body maintain hormonal harmony.
Dr. Kanika Sharma, Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF, West Delhi, agrees: “Regular, moderate movement helps hormones work in harmony, improves blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, and supports a healthy menstrual cycle – all of which are closely tied to fertility.”
The Role Of Weight And Stress In Reproductive Health
Maintaining a healthy weight can make a measurable difference when trying to conceive. Even slight fluctuations in BMI can affect IVF outcomes or natural conception rates. “Every small change in BMI influences fertility outcomes. At the same time, stress management is equally vital. Mind-body workouts like yoga and meditation lower cortisol levels, creating a calmer, more receptive environment for conception,” explains Dr. Taxak.
Dr. Sharma adds that excessive exercise, particularly when paired with calorie restriction, can do more harm than good. “There’s a threshold where movement stops helping and starts hurting. Very intense exercise can disturb ovulation and delay conception. The goal should never be exhaustion; it should be balance.”
Safe Movement During Pregnancy
Once conception occurs, the principle of mindful movement continues to hold. Staying active during pregnancy offers numerous benefits. It helps reduce back pain, prevents swelling, improves sleep, and can make labour smoother. Dr. Taxak notes that “core and pelvic floor exercises strengthen endurance and stability, ensuring a smoother experience during gestation.”
Dr. Sharma adds, “Gentle activity keeps circulation strong, helps manage weight, and reduces discomforts like backache or swelling. Fertility and pregnancy both respond best when the body feels cared for, not challenged.”
Everybody is different, and what works for one person may not suit another. Consulting a fertility or obstetric expert before starting or changing any workout routine is essential. But the overarching message is clear: movement is medicine. By embracing moderate, mindful exercise—paired with balanced nutrition and emotional wellness—women can support their fertility, nurture a healthy pregnancy, and move confidently toward motherhood.
Delhi, India, India
November 03, 2025, 10:12 IST
