Do I need to lose weight to try for a baby?

[Positivepants]

We really want to have a baby but I am 3-4 stone over weight and I feel like I should lose weight first. However, I am anxious we will have difficulty falling pregnant so I really want to start trying. I'm am 32.

Is it a bad idea being overweight?

[RNBrie]

Having a high bmi won't necessarily cause you any problems, but it might. If you are ready to start trying for a baby then I'd do both together. Stop using contraception and start eating better. You can continue to lose weight even when you are pregnant, healthy diet and light exercise. Good luck!!

[FeckinCrutches]

How high is your bmi? 3/4 stone doesn't sound that much.

[lightcola]

If you're ready then start trying. If you don't conceive after a few months then maybe address it. But I fell pregnant twice with a bmi of 39 so it's not impossible. Eating healthily will help you conceive so as PP said, do the both together. Good luck.

[PacificDogwod]

A high body fat ratio may reduce your fertility, but should not stop you from TTC.
Start eating healthily, stop contraception and hope for the best.
If you conceive reasonably quickly, aim to maintain your weight, rather than lose weight.

I know more than one woman who weighed less after delivery than she did before conception

[BendydickCuminsnatch]

No, I fell pregnant with one try ((sorry if TMI), not one cycle, one try) and had an absolutely fine pregnancy, no symptoms, great labour (40 minutes), and a BMI of 33 at booking in.

[luckiestgirl]

Crutches- I think OP meant 3 or 4 stone. Not 3 quarters of a stone

[Jelliedeels]

I was 4 stone over weight. No problems if anything I didn't put much on whilst pregnant

[AyeAmarok]

Why don't you start eating healthily and exercising now, and see what happens with TTC? It'll be better for both you and the baby, don't put it off.

[SaveSomeSpendSome]

My bmi is currently 31.

Im sure thats the reason why i dont seem to be getting pregnant. We having been trying since last nov but have had no luck.

We have dd who is 3 years and when i got pregnant with her my bmi was 25 and i conceived first cycle of trying

[KissMyArse]

I guess my question is do you want to lose weight (not for TTC but for yourself)?

If not and you feel happy and healthy at the weight you are then stop contraception and see how things go.

Being overweight might reduce your chances slightly but there are plenty of women who are carrying a few extra stone and have no problems getting pregnant.

[carameldecaflatte]

I had a high BMI (39 I think at start of pregnancy) and I was over 40 too. We'd been trying for a year and I had been eating healthily and taking pre-pregnancy vitamins. Didn't smoke or drink either. I did my best to "prepare" for pregnancy but I didn't wait to lose weight. (I did lose weight whilst pregnant but that was due to morning sickness).

[SpudTato]

It might not cause problems but I was put on high dose folic acid as bmi over 30. You might need to discuss with your GP

[mayhew]

It's a balance. As a midwife I would say improve your diet and and general health and try to get pregnant at the same time. You can continue with a healthy eating programme once you are pregnant and continue to improve your health status. Avoid sugar and processed carbs, these are the least helpful. Plenty of fresh veg. One piece of fruit a day, no juice. No alcohol. Increase general activity levels. This also applies to your partner , poor nutrition and obesity affect sperm quality.

Many overweight women have no problems conceiving, you may well be one of these. However, overweight women are more likely to have difficulty getting and staying pregnant.
Once pregnant, being overweight does act as a risk factor. Many overweight women are fine and you might be in this group.
Risksthat might occur include ( these can all occur at ideal BMI but are more common the bigger you are)
Gestational diabetes
High blood pressure
Slow and difficult labour
Difficulty in delivery needing CS or instrumental birth.
Problems for the baby.

If you only lose some of the excess, your risk reduces so it's definitely worth doing. It's also more comfortable in pregnancy to be less heavy.

[ThinkPinkStink]

I conceived at 36 with a BMI of 32.5. I'm now 23 weeks pregnant and I've probably put on about a stone.

All my blood tests, scans, urine tests etc. Have been bang. It sounds a bit smug but I've been really proud of how my fattish, oldish body has held up!

[ThinkPinkStink]

*bang-on

[Evergreen17]

Hi! Just here to say that I was TTC for 7 months and having weird hormone levels
I joined weight watchers, lost about 8% of my weight and got my BFP last week

Not saying that it os a miracle cure, but I am so happy I did because I do think it helped me

And because I will gain weight with pregnancy so happy I have lost some in advance

[Mummyandwife85]

Hi just reading you thread and to say I'm thinking much the same I'm now over 13st n BMI of 35, and everyone is telling me I should lose weight first .. I want too cos at only 5ft2 I feel n look way bigger than I actually weigh but I think you should do whatever makes you happy I have heard it can cause problems when TTC and me n my hubby are both over weight so this is our next step IF we keep struggling xox best of luck huni xoxo 😍

[starry0ne]

I was receiving fertility treatment. I lost 7Lbs in a month then concieved DS. ..
I would recommend improving your diet and exercise before you get pregnant. It is much easier now than constantly craving salt and vinegar crisps.

[gingerbreadmanm]

My gp told me that weight wont affect the baby but potenially your maternal health. She advised eating better, moving more and even 2lb off was something. Dont need to put pressure on.

It actually made me feel good as i have had 2 pregnancies which ended badly and often wondered if my bmi was to blame.