Getting pregnant is a challenge for many women. The health problems that come along with obesity can pose risks and decrease the likelihood of getting pregnant. According to the American Society for
Reproductive Medicine, women with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 35 are less likely to get pregnant than women who maintain a healthier weight. If you are overweight and looking to get pregnant, there are steps you can take to improve your health and your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.
Step 1
Seek guidance from a doctor who specializes in high-risk pregnancies. He can tailor a treatment
plan that addresses health issues you may encounter as a result of your weight or while you're
attempting to lose weight. Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, protein and whole grains and less
fatty, fried foods and carbohydrates. Exercising daily, even for 20 minutes, supports weight loss
and balancing of hormones.
Step 2
Reduce your weight to a healthier level. Thin doesn't equal healthy. Discuss a target weight with your doctor that is appropriate to your height and frame. This is much easier said than done; however, following through will improve your health, increase your chances of getting pregnant and promote a healthy pregnancy.
Step 3
Understand your ovulation cycle by making an ovulation calendar. On a calendar mark the day your period starts. Keep track of how long your period lasts and mark the day it ends on the same calendar. Refer to the calendar when your period starts the next month. Count the days between the beginning of your period for the first month and the beginning of your period for the second month. If your periods are approximately 28 days apart, that means you most likely start ovulating 14 days after your period begins. Subtract 18 from the duration of your shortest cycle if your periods occur more than 28 days apart. The result of this equation is the number of days after your period starts that you begin ovulating. For example, if your cycle is 35 days, subtracting 18 would give you 17. If your period normally starts on the 1st of the month, you can estimate that you ovulate around the 18th of the month.
Step 4
Visit a fertility clinic to understand what challenges may be impeding your ability to get pregnant. For example, conditions such menstrual irregularities or polycystic ovarian syndrome are common in obese women and have a significant effect on your ability to get pregnant. A fertility specialist can help you identify ways to address these challenges and determine whether fertility drugs or treatments are necessary.
Step 5
Encourage your partner to examine his lifestyle as well. A Danish study by T.K. Jensen revealed that men who are overweight or obese have significantly lower sperm counts than men maintaining a healthy weight.
