How Does Your BMI Impact Conception and Fertility?

When my beloved cousin announced her pregnancy, we were overjoyed! However, her exciting news also came with some concerns, as she has struggled with being overweight for much of her life. Being overweight has impacted her in many ways, and we worried about how it might affect her pregnancy and overall health. Thankfully, she took control of her health by managing her BMI and losing weight to ensure a healthy pregnancy for both herself and her baby. This journey not only brought us the joy of a new family member but also inspired us with her commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

What is BMI? 

According to Medical News Today. Body Mass Index (BMI) “is a measure of body fat based on your weight in relation to your height, and applies to most adult men and women aged 20 and over. For children aged 2 and over, BMI percentile is the best assessment of body fat.” BMI i applied to women who are pregnant; this tool helps you to understand if you’re suffering from underweight or overweight. All this information means that during pregnancy your BMI matters too.

Does an Abnormal BMI Affect Pregnancy?

When someone is classified as overweight, their BMI falls between 25 and 29.9. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher, and individuals with a BMI of 40 or more face significantly increased health risks, including diabetes and heart disease. For pregnant women, the stakes are even higher. Obesity during pregnancy can lead to complications not only for the mother but also for the baby. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, having a high BMI during pregnancy can increase the risk of the following complications:

1.  Pregnancy loss—Obese women have an increased risk of pregnancy loss (miscarriage) compared with women of average weight.
2.  Birth defects—Babies born to obese women have an increased risk of having birth defects, such as heart defects and neural tube defects.
3. Problems with diagnostic tests—Having too much body fat can make it difficult to see certain problems with the baby’s anatomy on an ultrasound exam. Checking the baby’s heart rate during labor also may be more difficult if you are obese.
4. Macrosomia—In this condition, the baby is larger than normal. This can increase the risk of the baby being injured during birth. For example, the baby’s shoulder can become stuck during delivery. Macrosomia also increases the risk of cesarean delivery. Infants born with too much body fat have a greater chance of being obese later in life
5. Preterm birth—Problems associated with a woman’s obesity, such as preeclampsia, may lead to a medically indicated preterm birth. This means that the baby is delivered early for a medical reason. Preterm babies are not as fully developed as babies who are born after 39 weeks of pregnancy. As a result, they have an increased risk of short-term and long-term health problems.
6. Stillbirth—The higher the woman’s BMI, the greater the risk of stillbirth.

So yes, high BMI calculations can affect your pregnancy. Overall, abnormal BMI calculation can change the health of a person dramatically. Hugh M. Ehrenberg is an author who has published several of his articles in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology even cleared out that “Doctors have long known that very obese women risk pregnancy complications, but research indicates that even women who are not hugely overweight have elevated risks.”

What can I do if I have a high BMI and I want to get pregnant?

Probably reconsider the time to get pregnant. It’s essential that you keep a right track of your BMI calculations with your doctor. Some of the things you can do to lower your BMI are eating healthy and start an exercise routine. According to Fit Pregnancy: “To prevent such problems, a woman should, if possible, be at or close to her ideal weight when she becomes pregnant. Sometimes losing just 5 to 10 percent before getting pregnant is enough to decrease her risk factors.”

Managing Weight Safely During Pregnancy

Weight management during pregnancy can be challenging, and it’s important to approach it with care. Most doctors won’t recommend a strict diet or an intense exercise routine, as your priority is to nurture your baby. However, according to Fit Pregnancy, “If you’re overweight and pregnant, you can safely limit your weight gain by working with a registered dietitian and a certified trainer, each of whom has expertise in pregnancy nutrition and prenatal exercise.” Some experts suggest that losing 10 to 20 pounds (about 5% to 7% of your BMI) under professional guidance can help you stay healthy during pregnancy. Remember, it’s essential to discuss any weight management plans with your doctor to ensure both your safety and your baby’s well-being.