Body fat too low?

[ricepolo]

My body fat % is 17.4 according to the machine at the gym. BMI is 20. I work out lots and am physically active day to day but try to eat enough. I'm ovulating fine but am concerned my body fat is too low for conception/implantation.

Is this likely or is the litmus test ovulation and as long as I'm doing that I should be fine?

Yes it could be. You're right on the line for the lower limit for a healthy fertile range (19 BMI) you have an athletes percentage for body fat, which if you're not an athlete is a little low. 21-24% is ideal for a healthy fit person.

How long have you been TTC? If it's over 6 months maybe seriously look to gain a little fat? You could still be ovulating fine but the egg quality might be poor. That's why so many people drink and eat rich foods to beef up the eggs! Good luck. X

Thanks for replying. Ttc#4 and only cycle 2 but I conceived first time with all my others and by now (8dpo) I was feeling awful whereas I don't this cycle so am pretty sure I'm out again. Obviously this is way too early for worrying and I've been incredibly fortunate so far but my body composition is the one thing that's different (other than my age although I'm only 34 so not particularly old) so if that's an issue I want to tackle it asap.

My BMI was 18 both times I got pregnant (although body fat was about 20% so higher than yours) and didn't have much trouble either time and both times was mid 30s, so not a spring chicken. Weirdly, I have suffered with irregular periods my whole life, to the extent that I was told I wouldn't conceive naturally at one point, but as soon as I got my BMI down to about 20 (for different reasons - I was training for things), they regulated and I was able to get pregnant.

So, my point is that it can be different for different people. If you are ovulating and having regular periods there is no reason why you shoudn't be able to get pregnant. yes your BMI and body fat are low, but not to the extent that it's affected your periods, which is a good sign.

As an aside, my midwife did comment on my low BMI at my first appointmentts but I went on to put lots of weight on and apparently you are likely put more on if you were underweight to begin with!

It sounds like you're a healthy BMI and your fat percentage is low because you're fit/muscly rather than starving. You're ovulating and you've only just started trying so I wouldn't change anything yet. It might take a little bit longer now you're approaching mid 30s but there's no reason to think there's a problem. Being so fit will really help through pregnancy and childbirth. Having said that, if you do fancy an extra take-away every now and then, go for it!