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Being healthy has always been one of the requirements for a healthy pregnancy, or even conception, and has been regarded as advantageous for both the offspring and the mother. The majority of people are aware that being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of having heart disease and diabetes. However, many individuals are unaware that this can alter fertility, the pregnant journey (which typically results in problems), and the probability of having a healthy child.
“If you're trying to get pregnant or planning one, the closer you are to a healthy weight, the more likely you are to conceive (get pregnant) and have a healthy kid,” says Dr Swathi Reddy (PT), Consultant Physiotherapist and certified diet counsellor and MIAP, Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru.
Experts suggest that the ideal body mass is determined using BMI which is required to know the safety level of your weight. "Your BMI is a number that is calculated using your height and weight. A BMI range of 18.5 to 23 is considered healthy. Adults with a BMI of 24 to 29 are termed overweight, while those with a BMI of 29 or higher are deemed obese," she explains.
Dr. Reddy elaborates on the need of weight management while attempting to conceive.
Underweight
By causing hormonal imbalances, being underweight (BMI less than 18.5) may impact a woman's fertility status. It causes irregular cycles and may prevent ovulation altogether, making it difficult for women to become pregnant. In contrast to women within a healthy weight range, women who are underweight typically take longer than a year to conceive.
If you are underweight and attempting to conceive, consulting a nutritionist, consuming a balanced and healthy diet, and engaging in the necessary amount of physical activity will boost your fertility.
Overweight
Achieving an ideal weight before conception reduces the chances of complications during pregnancy, raises the chances of healthy birth, and a positive growing phase for the baby. Obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy have also been connected to a variety of problems such as miscarriages, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, caesarean section, Gestational diabetes, heart problems, sleep apnea, stillbirth, etc. Moreover, babies born to obese mothers are at a higher risk of childhood and adult obesity, as well as other long-term health issues. Mother who had high sugars during pregnancy is at risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. So, why take risk when you have specialists to help you with a better life.
Being overweight can also have detrimental effects on a woman's fertility by causing:
Ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries) issues and menstrual irregularities due to hormonal abnormalities.
It can also make assisted reproductive procedures like in-vitro fertilization (IVF), ovulation induction, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection more challenging (ICSI).
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a major cause of low fertility or infertility, is linked to obesity.
While the statistics on obesity and reproductive results can be depressing, there is some good news. Even a minor weight decrease enhances fertility and pregnancy health in obese women. But need to be careful during pregnancy to gain only the required amount of weight based on your preconception BMI. Additionally, some dietary and lifestyle adjustments that minimize excessive weight gain during pregnancy can benefit both the mother and the baby's health.
Achieving an optimum weight before conception lowers the risk of difficulties during pregnancy, increases the likelihood of a healthy birth, and promotes a positive growth phase for the baby. Obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy have also been linked to miscarriages, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, caesarean section, gestational diabetes, heart issues, sleep apnea, stillbirth, and other complications. Furthermore, babies born to obese mothers are more likely to develop childhood and adult obesity, as well as other long-term health problems. A mother who had high blood sugar levels throughout her pregnancy is at risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes later in life.
Obesity can also have a negative impact on a woman's fertility by causing:
• Problems with ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries) and menstrual irregularities caused by hormonal imbalances.
• It can also make assisted reproductive procedures like IVF, ovulation induction, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection more difficult.
• Obesity has been linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a significant cause of low fertility or infertility.
While obesity and reproductive outcomes stats can be disheartening, there is some positive news. Even a small weight loss improves fertility and pregnancy health in women. Furthermore, dietary and lifestyle changes that reduce excessive weight gain during pregnancy can benefit both the mother's and the baby's health.
Pregnancy Precautions
Focusing on a healthy lifestyle by adopting a proper food plan and fitness routine will boost your chances of becoming pregnant and delivering a healthy child. By adjusting your diet and increasing your daily physical activity to achieve a healthier weight, you will contribute to an improvement in the physical and mental health for yourself. Consult your physician on any nutritional supplements, such as folic acid and iodine, that you may require.
Tips for healthier weight before pregnancy
• Follow a well-balanced healthy diet that includes the essentials of the food ecosystem, such as proteins, vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, and nutrients. Make sure you eat enough healthy foods like vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole-grain bread and cereals, milk, yogurt, cheese, and alternatives, as well as lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, seeds, and nuts.
• Cut back on foods you don't have to eat, like chips, cookies, fatty meats, pastries, cakes, fast food, and sweets, and eat them in moderation when you do.
• Limit unhealthy snacking and have fixed, regular meal regimes.
• Reduce or eliminate your use of sugary drinks and sodas.
• Reduce your serving sizes by using a smaller plate.
• Every day, get up and move. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, or 75 minutes of strenuous aerobic activity per week, or a combination of both, spread out throughout the week. Include regular physical activity, like running errands, going for walks, climbing stairs, and doing exercises every day.
• Reduce your screen time to a bare minimum. Instead, prioritise spending most of your time doing physical activities to ensure less cramping and proper mobility of your body joints.
• Having better sleep helps in improving your gut health, mood, and immunity.
• Physical activity, a balanced diet, and sleep are three physical pillars of health. Make sure to follow the expert’s advice and balance them.
*Note: If you're already pregnant you should first consult your doctor or a nutritionist before making any major lifestyle changes.
Also Read: Learn About Cesarean: Risks Involved & When To Plan The Next Pregnancy?
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