Getting pregnant isn’t always as easy as some people think. It takes some women longer to get pregnant than they expect for various reasons, including body weight.
If you're struggling to get pregnant and you're overweight, the solution may be as simple as dropping a few extra pounds. But if you still have trouble, it may be a sign of a more significant issue with your or your partner's reproductive system.
Infertility is just one of the many problems that Dr. John Paul Roberts and our team can treat at our practice in Plano, Texas. Dr. Roberts is an experienced OB/GYN who provides infertility services, care for high-risk pregnancies, and prenatal care.
Your weight significantly affects your overall health and wellness, especially regarding fertility. Trying to get pregnant is a big step, but it's not always quick or easy.
Being of an ideal weight is one of the ways you can increase your chances of pregnancy. Being underweight or overweight significantly hinders your fertility.
So you may be wondering what a perfect weight is before you start trying for a baby.
It's not actually your weight but your body mass index (BMI) that indicates whether you’re at a healthy weight. Many doctors use your BMI to evaluate your health and determine your risk of chronic issues like diabetes and heart disease.
A normal BMI for a woman is a range of 19-24. Anything below 19 classifies you as underweight, while anything in the range of 25-29 puts you in the overweight category. If your BMI is more than 30, we consider you obese.
The best BMI to get pregnant at is the range of 19-24, but that doesn't mean you can't conceive if you're not within that range. It may just take you longer than usual to get pregnant naturally, or you may need fertility treatments.
Excess weight mainly affects fertility by increasing estrogen levels and preventing regular ovulation. Fat cells produce estrogen, as do your ovaries, leading to excess levels of the hormone.
Too much estrogen tricks your body into thinking you're on hormonal birth control, which prevents the release of an egg. Other medical issues related to obesity may also hinder pregnancy by causing changes in your menstrual cycle or preventing it altogether.
Obesity also may prevent pregnancy with fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). Miscarriage rates are also higher in overweight and obese women.
Obesity isn't the only issue with weight and pregnancy. Being significantly underweight also decreases your chances of pregnancy. When you're underweight, your body stops making estrogen, and your periods and ovulation stop.
Dr. Roberts offers several options to increase your odds of getting pregnant when you're overweight or obese.
The most significant tip for a boost in fertility is to lose weight. Although it's easier said than done, Dr. Roberts offers a few tips to help you lose excess weight safely and efficiently, which include:
The most effective way to lose excess weight is to change your diet. You can make this change a little at a time by adding fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to your diet.
Portion size is another factor that can help you lose significant weight. Decreasing your portion sizes allows you to eat fewer calories, which enables you to lose weight.
Avoiding added sugars and processed foods also helps you cut back on unnecessary calories, which can help you lose excess pounds and improve fertility.
Although regular exercise alone can't eliminate excess weight, it can significantly help when combined with a healthy diet. You don't have to exercise for hours a day; simply walking or riding a bike helps you burn calories and lose weight.
You don't want to get too crazy with exercise, though: Too much can also affect your ability to get pregnant. Talk to Dr. Roberts about what is safe while trying to conceive.
Stress is never good for your body, especially regarding your weight. Excess stress causes your body to release cortisol, which can lead to hunger and weight gain when stress is chronic.
Meditation, yoga, and relaxation exercises can lower anxiety and stress for optimal weight loss.
Are you concerned that your weight may be affecting your fertility? Call our office in Plano, Texas, today to schedule an infertility appointment with Dr. Roberts. You can also request a consultation using our convenient online booking tool.
