Does being overweight affect you when trying to conceive?

[suzanna40]

Hi Ladies

Just wondering if being overweight has affected anyone's chances of conceiving?  I unexpectedly conceived last April (but sadly lost my boy in Sept), we have been ttc again for 5 months now, but no BFP as yet.  I have put on around 20lbs since last April and am wondering if this is having an affect.  I am 39yrs 5ft 5 and weigh 182lbs at the moment.  

As I have been comfort eating a lot over the last few months I have just started a more healthier eating plan and I'm exercising more to see if this helps.  Does anyone have an opinion on this?  Do you believe weight can be a factor for some people?  My Doctor has recommended that I try to lose 35lbs and she feels this will help my chances in the future.

[mamom15]

Hi

I think AnnieBrooke is right.  When I started TTC, in Jan 09 was 93 lbs at 5'.  My BMI was 17.  I was told to get my BMI upto atleast 19 and increase my weight to 100 lbs because a woman has a hard time ovulating if underweight.  Because of my age (39 yrs) we decided to move on to IVF immediately but weight can be a factor an dcan affect both ways

[Ecologic]

When I started to try conceiving in 2005, I was much thinner than I am now, I had a perfect weight... and had no success at all getting pregnant. I was able to get pregnant 4 times in 2007-2009 (3 miscarriages) and by then I had gained some weight. For my current pregnancy I am ashamed to say that I was borderline normal/overweight (based on my BMI) when I got pregnant.

[marie1210]

Weight can affect pregnancy like blood pressure issues and such.  I'm overweight and have never had a problem getting pregnant but my weight has never affected my cycles either.  If your period is irregular because of your weight then yes, you will most definitely have issues.  Either way, you want to be as healthy as possible before concieving.   It's just good for you.  Take care and most likely you will get pregnant when you least expect it.  =)

[SoCalTricia]

I think it really just depends...I've been overweight my whole life and got pregnant twice without trying. My third pregnancy was planned, and we got pregnant the second month we tried. And, at that point, I was the heaviest I've ever been (except for now...I've gained 30 pounds since my son died in September). That being said, it IS best to be the healthiest you can be when you get pregnant. It reduces chances of complications from high blood pressure or diabetes during the pregnancy and just makes you more comfortable. So, while I don't think it's a definate yes that your weight gain would have effected your fertility, I DO encourage you to keep eating healthy and taking care of yourself! Good luck and lots of baby dust to you...

Tricia

[redBlues]

if u search on the net,u will see that being over-weight has a major impact on TTC...
u already would have some challangaes due to your age ,but being over-weight would double up the problems...

good luck and baby dust

[oceanv]

I'm overweight and it took about 3 months to get pregnant (age 39).  Everyone is different thought it may not be that you're overweight but maybe more to do with the change in weight in such a time frame.  Good Luck with you're bft. I'm sorry to hear of your loss.

[AnnieBrooke]

I also have heard that being overweight can cause problems conceiving. They tell underweight women to bring it up a bit, but I think they tell the woman to be at max only 10 lbs. over the recommended body weight for the height, for the best fertility.  

[KarenDiane]

I have heard that being overweight can affect fertility. With your stats, I wouldn't think that you would need to lose any weight.  Although, I am 5'6" and I was up to 180. I lost 20 lbs. and got pregnant right off the bat so maybe. Good Luck either way.