Fertility Diet: What Is A Healthy Weight For Fertility?

Now, is there a healthy weight for getting pregnant? You might have thought just a night of unprotected lovemaking would get you knocked up. But there are other factors that affect a woman’s fertility. You might have heard grandmas asking you to put on some weight if you want to bear a child in the future. And you might have brushed it off as completely illogical, but your grandma could be right (partially). Unlike medical history or a medical condition that hinders your chance of pregnancy, one thing which you do have control over is your weight. So, that’s good news.

When To See A Doctor?

If you and your partner have been trying to get pregnant for over a year with no positive outcome, it’s better to consult a doctor to help you with conception (1). There could be several factors that are lowering your chances of getting pregnant. Read on to know more about how weight influences your chances of trying to conceive.

Check Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI can be calculated by checking the height and weight of a person (2). It can help figure out if a person is obese or underweight. So, if you have no clue about your BMI, now is the time to get it checked. There are apps and websites on the internet that can help you know your BMI. Here are a few details about what your BMI could indicate:

• If it is below 18.5, you are underweight.
• If it is anywhere between 18.5-24.9, you are healthy.
• If it is between 25.0-29.9, it is considered overweight.
• If it is 30 or above, it is considered obese.

Underweight And Fertility

If you have a BMI which is less than 18.5, it is considered as underweight. Being underweight can affect your fertility. It can interrupt your menstrual cycle, which means that your normal ovulation is inhibited (3).

How To Gain Weight If You Are Underweight

Being underweight doesn’t imply that you can stuff your mouth with chocolates and fries to put on those extra pounds. Try to gain weight steadily depending upon your height and weight. Aim for a healthy weight gain (4).

• Choose a well-balanced diet that contains nutritious foods.
• Try to include starchy carbohydrates in your plate, like brown rice, potato, lentils, and whole wheat pasta.
• Have 5 portions of veggies and fruits per day.
• Eat lean meats, beans, and pulses.
• You can also talk to a nutritionist to help you gain weight in a healthy way.

Obesity And Fertility

Obesity can impede the ovulation cycle in a woman (5). Even if a woman has normal ovulation, if she is obese, it can delay the chances of getting pregnant. Your BMI can also influence the chances of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Women who fall under the obese category have a higher risk of IVF being unsuccessful. So, if you are obese and trying to get pregnant, it is a good idea to lose some weight. It is said that losing even 10-20 pounds can make way for a healthier pregnancy (6).

How To Lose Weight If You Are Obese

If you are losing weight, aim at burning more calories than you consume. Exercising and eating healthy is the best way to do this (7). You can also consult a nutritionist to help you on this journey.

• Don’t do vigorous workouts for 2 hours straight.
• You can do moderate exercises like biking or brisk walking for 1 hour.
• If you are planning to do vigorous exercises like jogging, swimming laps, or something heavy, work out for half an hour.
• Try to remain consistent with your workouts. If not all days, do it 5 days a week at least.
• You can also divide your workouts into two or three times a day instead of doing it all at once.

Your weight could impact your chances of getting pregnant. But if you follow a healthy diet and remain physically active, maintaining a healthy weight is like taking candy from a baby. You can also seek the help of a nutritionist to plan out your meals. Don’t be disappointed if you do not see any drastic changes. Be patient and talk to your doctor if you need any help. Did you find this article helpful? Do let us know in the comment section below.

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