Published:
October 7, 2022
When you’re trying to get pregnant, there are a few lifestyle changes that may increase your chances of a healthier pregnancy—and as a bonus, these changes may help shorten the time it takes to actually conceive. One of the best things you can do to reduce your risk for infertility is to work toward the healthiest weight possible. And we’re not just talking about losing weight! Being underweight can make it more difficult to become pregnant, too.
What Is a Good Weight for Getting Pregnant?
One simple way to determine if you are at a healthy weight is to calculate your body mass index (BMI). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers this BMI calculator to give you an idea of where you stand.
A BMI between 19 and 24 is considered normal, and is the optimal range for a healthy pregnancy. Less than 19 is considered underweight. A BMI between 25 and 29 is considered overweight, while greater than 30 places you in the category of obese.
How Does Being Overweight Affect Fertility?
One of the main reasons being overweight may impact a person’s fertility involves ovulation. Obesity can cause irregular menstrual cycles, or even prevent a woman from ovulating and having a monthly period at all. Irregular periods can make timing ovulation more challenging. And without ovulation, a pregnancy simply can’t occur.
Ovulation isn't the only issue when it comes to an unhealthy weight, however. Even women considered overweight or obese who have normal menstrual cycles have lower pregnancy rates than those considered normal weight. Other disorders related to obesity—like thyroid disease, insulin resistance, and diabetes—can also affect a person’s ability to conceive.
How Does Being Underweight Affect Fertility?
Being underweight can also cause ovulatory dysfunction. Women who exercise excessively or have a low caloric intake may have irregular menstrual cycles or no periods at all. This is typically due to a disruption in hormones that causes the body to stop making estrogen. It’s important to note that underweight women who get pregnant have a higher risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and babies with low birth weight.
Can Obesity Cause Infertility in Males?
Yes, it can. Fertility isn’t only a woman’s issue—there is also a connection between fertility and obesity in men. Being overweight correlates with changes in testosterone levels and other important reproductive hormones. Low sperm counts and low sperm motility, or movement, have also been found more often in overweight and obese men than those with a normal BMI.
Work with Your Provider for Weight Management
If you are considering getting pregnant and are facing challenges with being underweight or overweight, it’s important to talk to your provider. They can help you address any underlying medical conditions, and offer weight management guidance. Your provider may also recommend a consultation with a fertility specialist or weight management provider to help you find the best path forward to a growing family.
We know that weight management can be a challenge—for both women and men alike. Do your best to look at the overall picture, and envision a happy, healthy pregnancy as a result of your hard work. You’ve got this, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!