optimum weight for conception - how much difference does it actually make?

[Higglepig]

Afternoon ladies,

I'm TTC No 2. DD is 15MO. Been trying for three months or so, nothing yet. Was v fortunate and got pregnant easily last time round but the childbirth/breastfeeding/toddler experiences have taken rather a lot out of me and I'm really quite skinny now. I'm not massively underweight but enough for people to comment on it quite a lot and short of guzzling 20 deep-fried mars bars a day it takes a lot for me to put on weight.

Do you think being slightly over- or under-weight really makes all that much difference? I'm just trying to work out whether I need to make a serious concerted effort to put on a few pounds or whether it's all much of a muchness.

All thoughts gratefully received

I'm not certain, but I'm pretty sure that if you are having regular periods then you have nothing to worry about.

Some women's periods stop when they are too underweight (I know mine did), and this is when it becomes a problem.

If you're not having regular periods I'd go to the doctors. But if you are and you're eating well I wouldn't worry about your weight. And 3 months of trying is hardly any time at all

Nah... as pp said, as long as you're having regular periods then it shouldnt affect you conceiving.

Obviously you are 'meant' to be a skinny person and as long as you'rte eating well I wouldn't worry.

Make sure you get enough calcium once you are preg as the little blighters take it all off you and you can end up with osteoperosis type stuff.

Good luck
xxx

V constructive - thanks, both.

I know 3 months isn't long at all but once you start thinking about it...

Kat - you're dead right about osteoporosis etc. Broke a bone during last pregnancy after a v slight fall and then had to have 4 fillings post pregnancy (maybe even 5, lost count after a while), having never had any before so I obviously wasn't taking in enough calcium.

Higglepig as far as TTC if you are having regular periods all should be well. But depends how low your BMI is. If its less than 19 it can lead to low birth weight and increased pregnancy complications. My BMI is 18.8 (she says trying desperately to round it up to 19!). If you are eating a balanced and healthy diet and are like me just one of those people who is naturally thin I wouldn't worry.

Good luck!

My BMI was spot on 18 when I was pregnant with DD, I had lots of scans cos they were worried about her size etc, she was 5 lb 13oz when she was born but she is a healthy 22 month old.

What GracieGirl said would appear to be the case however no one else mentioned this to me , thank GracieGirl at least I know know if #2 ever wants to come along.

thanks v much girls.

BMI is a bit under 18 at the mo. I too had three extra scans with DD1 because they thought she was going to be a small baby but she came out 3.58kg (just under 8lbs). I hadn't heard about the connection between low bmi and birthweight though so v good to know - thanks.