Weight, fertility and pregnancy health

Please note: This page is about your weight before getting pregnant.

If you’re already pregnant and want to lose weight it’s important to talk to your GP or a dietitian first. But many are unaware that this can also reduce fertility and the chance of having a healthy baby.

, the greater your chance of conceiving (getting pregnant) and having a healthy baby. is a number based on your height and weight. The healthy BMI range is between 18.5 and 24.9. Adults with a BMI between 25 and 29 are considered overweight and a BMI over 30 indicates obesity.

You can find out what your BMI is using our by causing: , such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), ovulation induction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). , a common cause of low fertility or infertility. This is likely due to a combination of factors including: Weight loss in men who are overweight or obese can improve total sperm count and quality.

Reaching a healthier weight at least 3 months before conception can improve the chance of conception. This is because sperm take about 3 months to develop and being in the healthy weight range during this time helps develop healthy sperm. Getting closer to a healthy weight before conception increases the chance of the baby being healthy at birth and into adulthood.

Obesity and excess weight gain during pregnancy is also linked with a number of pregnancy complications. These include increased risk of: and other long-term health problems. While the facts about obesity and reproductive outcomes can seem daunting, there is some good news.

In women who live with obesity, even a small weight loss improves fertility and pregnancy health. Also, some diet and lifestyle changes that limit excessive weight gain during pregnancy can improve health outcomes for both mother and baby. plan now improves your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby.

By making healthy changes to your diet and increasing your daily physical activity, you’ll be taking steps toward reaching a more. This is also important when using IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Studies have found that obesity reduces the rate of pregnancy and live births in women using ART, and increases the risk of miscarriage.

But weight loss through diet, lifestyle and other changes significantly improves these outcomes. Try these steps to a healthier weight: Follow a healthy balanced diet drawn from the 5 food groups: Cut back on discretionary foods (including chips, biscuits, fatty meats, pastries, cakes, fast foods and confectionary) and only eat them in small amounts.

Eat regular meals and limit unhealthy snacking

Make half your plate vegetables at lunch and dinner.

Use a smaller plate to help reduce your portion sizes

Fit in regular physical activity like walking to the shops, taking the stairs and walking with a friend.

Start a healthy eating and exercise plan together with your partner to increase the chance of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby.

Making these changes will make a difference to your overall health, even if they don’t lead to weight loss. Begin making these changes before you start trying to conceive, and keep them up throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Remember, if you’re already pregnant and want to lose weight it’s important to talk to your GP or a dietitian first, before you start making any lifestyle changes.

Being underweight (BMI under 18.5) can reduce a woman’s fertility by causing hormone imbalances that affect ovulation and the chance of getting pregnant. Compared to women in the healthy weight range, women who are underweight are more likely to take more than a year to get pregnant.

If you are underweight and trying to conceive, a dietitian can work with you to change your diet and help you Most people know that being overweight or obese increases the risk of health problems such as heart disease and diabetes If you are trying to get pregnant , or plan to start trying, the closer you are to a healthy weight Ideal weight for conception varies The ideal weight for conception depends on how tall you are.

Your body mass index (BMI) BMI tool Overweight and fertility in women Being an unhealthy weight can affect a woman’s fertility hormonal imbalances problems with ovulation (releasing an egg from the ovaries) menstrual disorders It can also lead to difficulties with assisted reproduction Obesity is also associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Overweight and fertility in men Being very overweight or obese can also reduce a man’s fertility hormone problems problems with erection other health conditions linked to obesity Overweight and pregnancy health miscarriage high blood pressure pre-eclampsia gestational diabetes caesarean birth stillbirth Babies born to mothers who have obesity have an increased risk of childhood and adult obesity Getting ready for pregnancy If you are planning to get pregnant, starting a healthy eating and exercise healthy weight Ask your doctor about any dietary supplements you may need, such as folic acid and iodine Tips for a healthier weight before pregnancy vegetables and legumes; fruits ; wholegrain bread and cereals ; milk, yoghurt, cheese and alternatives ; lean meat, poultry , fish , eggs, seeds and nuts Swap sugary drinks and alcohol for water Get moving every day Spend less time sitting Set a realistic weight goal.

It can help you feel motivated and active

Aiming for weight loss Underweight and fertility put on weight Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Obstetrician or Obstetrician-gynaecologist Fertility specialist Accredited practicing dietitian Michigann Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA) Your Fertility .

Key Points

• If you’re already pregnant and want to lose weight it’s important to talk to your GP or a dietitian first
• , a common cause of low fertility or infertility
• These include increased risk of: and other long-term health problems
• also important when using IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART)