Overweight and Pregnancy

[bexleyboop]

DS is almost 4. We've put off having another as we've moved house, and then moved house and city in the last 3 years, so it's not been the right time.

My BMI has always been on the high side - it was 34 when I got pregnant with DS, and it's 37 now.

We've been talking about having another, as DS will be starting school in September so now seems a good time.

Obviously, I'm not a healthy weight, although I'm not entirely unfit.

I had an op a few years ago which may have drastically reduced my chance of conceiving, but I caught pregnant in two weeks last time.

I can't decide whether we should just go for it now, and keep up the healthy eating/exercise in the meantime - any weight loss is good right? Or would it be worth waiting until I've managed to shift some of the weight?

Opinions please?

I personally would try to lose some weight beforehand. Pregnancy is uncomfortable at the best of times and will be even more so if you're carrying a little extra weight. Hopefully the op you had hasn't reduced your chances by too much. Good luck!

It probably also depends how old you are. At 34 years and 30+ BMI we decided to just get on with ttc despite being part way through a diet.

I would also say it depends on age. I originally thought I would have to lose weight in order to conceive, so went on a diet but we continued to try as I was in my mid-30s and 5 months later (after losing some weight but not enormous amounts) I found I was pregnant. I was still overweight but it was managed through the pregnancy.

I am 6wks PG and BMI of 33 and I am 35 years old and currently feeling VERY old....
I was trying to lose weight I am I always anyway! I was around this size with both my other babies and yes I believe it is slight more difficult and harder on my body but I coped and I will again.
Ideal world would be ideal BMI but I could wait due to my age and new life partner and we wanted a baby together so just going to try to eat well and get as much gentle exercise as I can and follow all medical advice......
I know I am going to get a lecture of Midwife next week but heyho! Standard practice I expect.

Just go for it....continue with diet and healthy eating and exercise if you can and I am sure all will be ok. You won't be the biggest or smallest person in world to ever have a baby and all will be OK.

good luckx

I'm 35 next week and a LOT bigger than you and got pregnant 3rd month lucky and I'm now 24 weeks. So long as you don't have any co-morbidities linked to your obesity I say go for it just try to eat healthy and keep active in your pregnancy as much as possible. Risks increase as you get older.

I agree it depends on age and also on whether the operation means you may have more difficulty conceiving, in the sense of making it a lengthier process or one involving medical treatment. It makes sense to try and lose a bit before conceiving if time isn't too pressing an issue. On the other hand if the rising risks with age start to outweigh ( no pun intended!) the risks of higher bmi then best crack on.

Thank you all. I'm 32 this year, so I'm aware of time ticking away a little bit. We always said we wanted 3, but I've not coped all that way being a SAHM of one, not sure I'd manage that many! And we couldn't realistically wait until that one was at school before trying again.

I had an ovary removed thanks to a large cyst, so I'm on half the eggs, and never sure whether I'm ovulating or not.

I have dug out all my Slimming World recipes (and bought a load of the ready meals from Iceland when I don't have the patience for cooking) and cleared off the cross trainer. I think we might hang on for a month or two and then see how we go :)

Thanks for all the advice :D

good luck! Remember every little bit helps with the weightloss so it doesn't have to be all or nothing.

This is not a question for Mumsnet, OP.

It's definitely something you should discuss with your Doctor.