Conception and weight loss - help!

[Almondbiscotti]

Hi all
In a slight conundrum and apologies in advance for being a hypochondriac. I am a tendency to get worked up if things arent perfect but dont we all sometimes?

My dh and i decided to start ttc. I turned 31 in october and my bmi is 33-34. Weight fluctuates. We really want 3 kids.

Having heard of an overweight friend's terrible birth with forceps/induction, i have spent time researching risks for women with high BMI.

Question is should i stop ttc and try to get bmi to 30 (probably take 4 months on an averwge weight loss pf 2 pounds/1kg a week) or should i just crack on with TTC? I am worried that i may take upto a year to fall (this is the average so my gp says) and dont want to be a mum 32 too late on in 30s.

I have been waiting to do so for v long time. V broody and would be devastated to not have 3 sprogs. Also cant stand current job but holding on so i can get on with mat leave. But is this all valid reasons to take risk on re overweight pregnancy?

Thanks

*a mum to 3 too late on in 30s

The probability of you being a mum in your late 30's is a risk. It can take up to a year you are correct and the added stress of weight might mean it takes you much longer. However there's a chance you might not have any problems and have a quick TTC journey. I would try to lose as much weight as you can, but use this time to track your cycles, stop any birth control and relax!! Good luck.

Don't delay ttc but you can try and lose weight at the same time.

Hi there :)

I started a similar-ish thread a few weeks ago (excuse stupid typo in title!)

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/2785075-BMI-and-TCC

I've decided to carry on with plan to TTC from January (when DH back in country) but vaguely cut down calories a bit too, maybe around the 1600-1800 level so might have some slow weight loss too. I'm a few years older than you and have got to a point where I just want to get on with it!

Good luck!

I lost two stone before TTC. There are too many risks involved for my liking with pregnancy and labour.
You will read plenty of stories about smooth sailing pregnancies but in real life I haven't known one. My ex's girlfriend is a prime example. Two pregnancies while obese. She's contended with gestational diabetes and both labour's resulted in her life on the line due to to haemorrhaging. The only cause was her weight and she had been warned the first time round.
It only took me four months to lose it. You've got four months. My brother and sister law had their first when she was 34, and has had two further children since, the last at 39. All fine.
Plus, you will find it easier to lose weight now and not with a newborn!

How big was your ex's gf if you dont mind me asking?

Do both. Fat loss releases oestrogen which can improve your chances of conceiving. A lower bmi places you and baby at less risk, though you can end up with a bad birth regardless!

I don't know about BMI but she was in a size 18-20 at the very start of her pregnancy. If I compare that to my largest, I was in a 16 with a BMI of 33. She's the same height as me.

My bmi is 33 and i wear a size 16 (18 on bottoms sometimes). Decided to go for both!

You're the same size as me now. I've lost 2 stone already this year. I'm planning on more after Christmas. I'm just back from the gym. No faddy diets just exercise and making better choices. Good luck!!

HeyJupiter thanks for the link. Looks like i am not the only one in the same boat!

Thanks Fluffnuts and Mouselove. Love both of your namea btw.

Wow thats amazing mouselove! Did you count calories or anything? What are you doing at the gym? I have been seeing a personal trainer for about 3 weeks. Have had to build exercise up slowly due to lower back pain. So hard to get back into it knowing that i was more flexible 5 years ago (when i weighed 2 stone lighter than i am now).

The advice on here has been fantastic, really wishing you all the best on your ttc journey OP 😊

Wanted to join in the thread as I'm hoping to lose some weight, as for me I reckon it's the main reason we aren't conceiving. I have been gradually losing weight for the last 6 months, thanks to exercise mostly. However I fractured my ankle last week, so need some extra help to keep going! My GP and I have discussed using orlistat to help aid weight loss - in some situations it can help. If you have a sympathetic GP, who you have a good relationship with then I would encourage you to have a chat with them about your options.

Mainly cardio. I do 10 mins bike, 10 mins xtrainer, 10 mins weights and then sometimes 5 mins uphill walking on treadmill. I have bad hips, pelvis & joint pain so it's a battle every time. My knees are killing me this morning after last nights gym session.

I started eating scrambled eggs every morning for breakfast. Then a low cal lunch and a regular normal meal in the evening.

So my lunch consisted of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrot sticks, grapes, 3 rivitas with light cream cheese and sometimes ham on top. Now I'm having a Heinz soup as the weather is colder. Sometimes I'd have a banana mid morning or a bag of popcorn in the afternoon. Sometimes birthday cake haha. I didn't ever really say no. I've maintained my weight loss for 4 months but I'd like to lose more so I think I'll have to change my exercises and lower my calories in the evening too.

Mouselove very inspirational! Today i walked 30 mins at a pace from waterloo to Bank. I am london based. I totally get what you mean about joints. I have found walking good as its low impact and great.to some.of the outdoor goodness in the cold crisp weather (especially as i am office based for at least 8 hours).

Mishybakes yes it really helps hearing from others in the same boat.

Mishy i may well take your idea re GP up! I have a lovely GP.

I'm in the middle of getting diagnosed with possible arthritis so it's just a waiting game. Ironically my problems have gotten worse with the weight loss. I should have my MRI scan soon. Good luck with your journey, it's so rewarding to do it with exercise.