Pregnancy Planning and Body Weight
Overweight and fertility
You don’t necessarily have to be the ideal weight in order to get pregnant. Fertility isn’t compromised by a few extra kilos for most women, however being underweight can significantly impair fertility and can be the reason behind failed attempts at pregnancy.
If you are overweight, which means that your Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 25, your fertility may also be impaired. Because many diets are unbalanced and can negatively affect your ability to conceive, you should seek professional advice before starting any kind of weight loss regime. Contact an experienced nutritional adviser who can show you how to lose weight in a healthy way that won’t jeopardise your fertility.
Minimal change - maximum effect
A weight reduction of only 5-10% can improve overweight women’s chances of getting pregnant many times over. This should serve as a huge motivating factor to lose weight for women who have been having difficulties conceiving. Reducing excess weight frequently results in an entirely natural pregnancy and is one of the most important choices a women can make when trying to have a baby.
The BMI formula
The BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated using the following formula:
BMI = kg/m⊃2;
To better understand the equation, let’s calculate the BMI of a woman who is 1.65 meters tall and weighs 80 kilos:
Height x height: 1.65 x 1.65 = 2.7225
Weight/result: 80 ÷ 2.7225 = 29.38
This woman’s BMI is therefore: 29.38
Check your own BMI using this formula to see if you’re BMI is conducive to getting pregnant.
Underweight and fertility
Being seriously underweight (BMI 18 or less) can also lead to cycle disorders. This is frequently accompanied by the side effect of missing ovulation or even menstruation.
If you are underweight, it is particularly important for you to consume all the vital nutrients in sufficient quantities.
Every female requires a certain amount of body fat in order to be healthy and to maintain a proper metabolism. Sexual hormones also need fat for production, so having enough fat is essential when trying to conceive.
If you wish to put on weight because you feel that your low weight is impairing your capacity to conceive, make sure to do so in a healthy way. It’s always recommended to contact your doctor or nutritional advisor before making any changes to your diet and lifestyle.
