TTC BMI>30

[sailorcherrie]

Not sure how popular this thread will become.

As a healthcare professional working in maternity myself I am very aware of the risks of TTC and having a baby with a high BMI (higher risk of MC/SB, birth defects, hypertension and gestational diabetes).

Also bearing in mind that having a high BMI can make TTC harder - irregular cycles, ovulation issues, maternal age (like everyone else).

On top of that we have the dual sided stress of TTC and knowing we should try and lose weight to help things along!

So this board is a safe place for us that are facing these challenges to have a good moan about it and support each other when it feel like the rest of the world is having babies and we can't stop feeling rubbish that we have extra factors making it harder!

I'll start things off...

Age: 27
TTC: #1
Cycle: will be #3 soon
BMI: 48.3

I've mostly started this post after reading a rather depressing article stating that for every point over a BMI of 29 your chances of TTC reduce my 4% so feeling pretty crap today that I might be reducing our chances by 77% due to my weight.

I guess at least the flip side is that for every point it decreases then our chances will increase by 4%

Also bearing in mind that for fertility treatment they like you to have a BMI of 30 or less so it would be a long term investment to get the mojo to lose some weight incase we don't conceive after 12 cycles.

I had a colleague who, after two miscarriages, managed to lose seven stone and then produced two healthy children in her early 40’s, so I hope that encourages you, OP, to feel that it is possible for you too.
Even if you weren’t trying for a family, you know yourself, from your job, that a BMI of 48 is a serious health risk that will shorten your life and cause you multiple problems from arthritis to fatty liver, diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnoea and an increased risk of several cancers, including pancreatic and endometrial. A serious effort at weight loss would be hugely beneficial for you.
I hope you get lots of support and encouragement on MN, but it might be an idea to join a recognised weight loss group, or see your GP for help. Best wishes.

@Babdoc that is an encouraging story.

I have a weight watchers membership and have previously lost nearly 4 stone so I know if I muster the commitment out of myself that I can slowly lower my BMI again.

A tough year with stress, anxiety and bereavement have led to me piling the weight on again but after completing 6 months of CBT and now exercising my coping strategies on my own I'll be trying to see the flip side of things and focus on the idea that every 5lb I manage to lose could increase our chances by 4%

I've got a BMI of 39 and have been trying for #1 for over a year now. I'm 33 in July so starting to worry about my age.

I really struggle to keep at healthy eating like I can be so good Monday to Thursday then the weekend arrives and I go crazy.

Hey @juneybean!

Its honestly so hard! On top of doing all the TTC stuff (temp tracking, CM, OPKs and TWWs) it's difficult to try and stick to a diet and pile more pressure on yourself!

Especially when AF rocks around and the last comfort you want is a salad 🥗🤣

I had a huge meltdown about it to DH today after reading that article and think it's time to at least try "no count" on WW again and when that plateaus then I could try counting points again (as said before I've lost nearly 4 stone before our wedding doing WW)

I'm 27 ttc #1 and am currently on cd3 of cycle 5. My bmi is 35 and I really struggle with my sweet tooth. I have been really bad since af showed up this time, me and my oh have had takeaways 2 nights in a row and I'm eating everything sweet in sight. It's just so hard. My oh has a job where he sometimes works away and when he's away I tend to eat healthier but obviously him
Working away makes it hard because we can only dtd at weekends when he's home and this cycle, if I ovulate on cd12/13 like normal, he's going to be away because it's the middle of the week. I have tried slimming world but I always fail when the weekend rolls around.

Hi all,
Thanks for starting this post. I'm new to these boards.
Age: 33
BMI: 38.5
TTC: #1
Cycle: #1
My cycle on average is 25 days but last month was 23 days.
All apps say I should be fertile now (CD 12) but ovulation sticks have been negative.

Keeping positive as still early days.
I have spent all year doing a fitcamp class 3-4 times a week but unfortunately my BMI hasn't come down.
I feel the same as you @sailorcherry and worried about risks.

I have been really hesitant to post here but I could use some support with weight loss, so here goes.

Age: 35ish
TTC: #1
Cycle: #1
BMI: 33.2

I’ve brought my BMI down about a point the past few months just by deciding to eat healthier. I think I’m ready to try WW, although Slimming World seems to be popular here? I don’t know anything about it.

I don’t like TTCing at this weight, but I feel like I can’t put it off any longer because of my age. So I’m trying to do both!

I’m scared of what the doctors will say if I do get pregnant. But I’m more scared about the negative affects on my health. I’ve started walking a lot more, and am trying to fill up on fruits and vegetables as much as possible. At the end of the day, I think I can only lose weight by cutting calories. Exercise helps with other things, but isn’t going to help me shed the kilos.

Good luck ladies!

Oops, that should read “negative effects” not “affects”!

Can I join please? I've recently been diagnosed with PCOS and my cycles are very irregular. This has spurred us on to TTC now and not wait as it could take a while it seems.

My BMI is 38. I know that's not great, but I just don't have the self control to slim down somehow

Hi all - I've found this thread so interesting to read and just wanted to share my experience.

I've had two pregnancies where my BMI starting was between 30-35 ending with me being over 100kg (about 16 stone so think) when admitted for my induction with my daughter was born 22 months ago - I was mortified 😫

I had GD tests during both pregnancies but bar that no additional issues or concerns as a result of my weight.

I was induced for both pregnancies but for nothing to do with my weight.

I am now pregnant with my third and for the first time starting a pregnancy in the 'overweight' not 'obese' category (ironically its took me much longer this time having lost nearly 3 stone) but I am still very aware of my weight and hoping to only put 1.5st on maximum.

Be realistic - It's not the time for crazy diets just eat well and don't be to hard on yourselves.

Hi everyone! I'm in the same boat, for the first time ever I'm considering weight loss surgery (would have to pay for private), but am wavering at both the cost and the fact that it would put the brakes on TTC for at least a year.

I'm 38, my BMI is about 39. I can't decide whether it's better to get surgery and so be older but healthier when TTC, or to just accept the risks and go for it. It's not the risks to me that I particularly care about, but more whether my BMI would potentially harm a baby.

@FattyBonbon how long have you been TTC? I looked into it before but risks of surgery scared me. A woman I worked with had successful surgery and has lost loads of weight. I saw a show in BBC 1 about positive evidence on crash diets but of course not suitable if TTC! Also there was a woman on there who had surgery but found a way to "trick the band" to continue eating and she put all the weight back on... it's such a hard decision.
Despite having a high BMI and being "obese" I still feel quite fit and when I went to the GP my bloods were all ok. It's so tough. Overweight people can have healthy babies... a friend of mine is perfect weight, a runner and still had complications bless her.
If I could afford it I would be tempted to see a dietician/nutritionist 1:1 who could support with weight loss safely when TTC.
It's such a personal choice and there are so many options available.
x

@Patienceofatoddler that's good to hear...

@Patienceofatoddler - thanks for the positive stories! I scan some ladies with BMIs as high as 64 so it is obviously possible to fall pregnant at all different weights, however, that then becomes very frustrating when you are trying for #1 and convincing yourself that weight is the road block to success.

@FattyBonbon @lizzybizzyboo I honestly just googled the criteria for gastric band and saw the guidance that you have to avoid pregnancy for 12-18 months and realised dieting (and continuing TTC) is likely the better option!

I do have time on my side as I turned 27 in March, however, I just feel like I'm letting DH down by not being disciplined enough to lose the weight and hampering our chances.

Also hi @TheOneWithTheBaby - I'm sure we've crossed paths on other TTC boards 😊

@lizzybizzyboo not sure if the .... at the end of your response is suggesting a hint of sarcasm?

If so I am not sure why as was only trying to share a positive experience of TTC / pregnancy when classed as obese.

If it wasn't meant in that way and I have misinterpreted then I apologise.

@Patienceofatoddler no sarcasm at all, genuinely pleased to hear success stories.
First & last time I will post on these forums.

@sailorcherrie yes very true - I know I was suddenly much more aware when TTC but goodness the emotional roller coaster doesn't half push me towards making the wrong food choices.

Best of luck with your journey - Just don't be hesitant to ask your Dr for support / tests if it's been a number of months / approaching a year. I realised I have a borderline thyroid issue which likely has been contributing to our struggles so it's not always obvious.

Wishing you the best of luck X

@sailorcherrie thanks, it’s nice to hear from someone who has experience here. I’m familiar with weight watchers so I think I’ll start that up this week. I’m not sure how things work here or if my BMI would trigger anything if I did get pregnant.

I’m more concerned that my thyroid will prevent me from conceiving than my weight, to be honest. But I want to bring my weight down for myself and I know that I can. I’ve already started to! :) My husband is really supportive and we both like to cook so I’m lucky in that regard.

@lizzybizzyboo misunderstandings happen, don’t stress about it too much. Hoping you’ll all continue to post!

hello! jumping in!
Age- 35 and a half haha
TTC #1
Cycle #1

so very new to trying and getting my head round it!
I am aware that BMI over 30 is not ideal
Ive been lopsing weight very slowly- managed to get my BMI down fro 36 to 33.5 but aiming to get it to under 30 as soon as I possibly can!

My frien advised me to go the doctor and get stronger folic acid supplements- anyone done that?

good luck everyone xxxx

Hi all!

Age: 40
BMI: 38
TTC: #1
Cycle: #3

I know the odds are stacked against me but I've had friends who were same size and have had babies so I know it's possible! Had too much stress recently which ultimately leads me to eating more. I've done extreme diets which I know aren't great in the long term. Hoping to do something a bit more sustainable!

Hi ladies can I join?

Age: 27
BMI: 43
TTC: #1
Cycle: 6 ( should be 7 but AF decided not to show up last month and I've had a mountain of BFN for the last 3 weeks)

I'm so glad you started this thread @sailorcherrie, I was starting to think I was on my own!

Does anybody else get sly digs and comments about your weight off people who know you are TTC? As each month passes I just get more and more disheartened (and reach for the wine)?

My BMI was 35 or so when I conceived DS1. I lost 7lb on WW and having pcos midwife convinced even that small a loss increased my chances a lot. I was a mere 26yr old. Got tested for gestational diabetes but all was good and very healthy pregnancy. Continued to lose a further 2 stone by time I was 5 months along with midwifes guidance.

Now 32 with bmi at 40 but lost 1 stone in 8 weeks so its 37 now. Joined SW for a wee change and cant believe how much I like it! Plus there's a pregnancy plan option on SW but not with WW. Hoping the 1 stone off will boost a bfp soon.

Its not easy ladies!!