Many condition combinations cause infertility in women, making it difficult to diagnose. However, many fertility specialists will tell you that obesity and fertility do not mix well. Learn more about how being overweight may affect your chances of getting and staying pregnant, and discover what you can do about it.
The Relationship between Obesity and Fertility
Being overweight can affect your chances of becoming pregnant and having a healthy baby. Obesity and fertility do not go well together because it can create hormone imbalances that affect ovulation. Obesity in women is also associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, a common cause of infertility. These conditions may not only make it hard to conceive, but they may also make it hard to maintain a pregnancy full-term.
If you are obese and trying to conceive, you expose yourself to the risks of pregnancy complications like miscarriage, hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and more. And, even if you do carry a baby full-term to delivery, obesity may make it more likely that your baby will become obese as an adult or have other health problems.
Can weight loss increase fertility?
If you are overweight, weight loss can aid in many factors of your overall health, in addition to possibly improving your chances of conceiving a child. Make it a New Year’s resolution to commit to a healthy fertility diet and a regular exercise plan, not just for your baby’s health, but also your own.
However, do not risk your health by losing too much weight. Being underweight can also negatively affect fertility. On average, the ideal BMI for fertility is between 18.5 and 24.9. Everyone is different, though. Consult your doctor to find out the best weight goal for you.
Consult Our Fertility Specialists
At The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, we work to find possible causes of infertility issues, and we’d also like to educate our patients. Visit our office to get all your fertility questions answered and start a treatment plan today.
