In order to maximize your chances of becoming a mother, you should think about keeping your weight under control. Studies have shown that weight can affect fertility. There are women who have managed to be the exception of the rule, and get pregnant even if they had weight problems, but it's advisable to take care of your weight if you want an uncomplicated pregnancy and childbirth.
Two studies conducted in 2010 in the United States have shown a direct connection between weight and the chances a woman has to get pregnant. Women with a high body mass index (BMI) will be confronted with irregular menstrual cycles, which affect ovulation. In addition, women who are underweight or overweight do not have the same chances of getting pregnant like those who keep their weight under control, even if they try assisted reproductive procedures.
Diets can harm a woman’s ovulation
In the equation of pregnancy, your weight and body fat mass have a crucial role. So, it's wise to be mindful of the two conditions if you want to conceive. If you lose weight too fast and go under the ideal weight (for your height and age), it is possible to deal with irregular periods and menstrual cycles.
You should know that fat also plays an essential role in the processes that occur in your body. If you're a fan of long fitness sessions, it is possible that your body fat mass will drop and be insufficient for normal ovulation to occur. The explanation is easy: when you have less body fat than necessary, the flow of hormones secreted by the pituitary gland is interrupted. This means that the signal, which should reach the ovaries to release an egg, does not occur, and ovulation does not happen. So, even if you have healthy eggs, you don’t get pregnant because you do not release them.
In case you succeeded in getting pregnant, but you are underweight, you should know there are risks for your pregnancy: you might have a low birth weight baby or you might have a miscarriage.
Obesity lowers woman chances to get pregnant
Too much fat will not help you get pregnant either. According to British doctors, the chances to conceive are reduced by 8% if you are overweight and 18% if you suffer from obesity. These figures are for women who are trying to get pregnant for the first time. If you're at your second pregnancy, it will be twice as hard for you to conceive.
The more you weigh, the greater fertility problems you have. However, do not despair! There are healthy solutions and diets to help you get on the right track. Even a little weight loss can have a beneficial effect on ovulation and fertility.
Besides, you should take into account that obesity is a risk to your health. Obesity is one of the main symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. In this case, your body does not produce enough hormones to stimulate ovulation and makes too much insulin, which will cause a greater release of male hormones.
Obesity is also a problem if you are trying to get pregnant through in vitro fertilization procedure. A study conducted in 2004 by New York doctors shows that the failure rate of such procedures increases for women who suffer from obesity.
Remember that small changes can make a difference and increase your chances of conception. In addition, if you take care of your weight, you will certainly not only regulate ovulation, but also cholesterol levels, blood pressure, kidney function or insulin secretion.
Sources:
- MedicineNet.com, Weight May Affect a Woman's Fertility, (accessed June 9, 2011)
- Womenshealth.gov, Preconception health, (accessed June 9, 2011)
- babycentre.co.uk, I'm overweight. Will this affect my chances of getting pregnant?,(accessed June 9, 2011.
- The Journal of Reproductive Medicine, Obesity and in vitro fertilization: negative influences on outcome., Spandorfer SD, Kump L, Goldschlag D, Brodkin T, Davis OK, Rosenwaks Z, 49(12):973-7, 2004.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Alina Barbu - Radio journalist in Bucharest and freelance writer, interested in travel destinations, health, diet and nutrition topics, food and ...
Join the Conversation