Difficulty in Getting Pregnant - The Weight-Fertility Connection

June 30, 2008

If you are experiencing difficulty in getting pregnant, you are not alone. In fact, according to the NCHS (National Center for Health Statistics), you are one in about 6.1 million women between the ages of 15 to 44 who have trouble getting pregnant.

Infertility can be caused by so many different factors, even male infertility. Though some of these hurdles may be more complex to get over, one hurdle is not: your weight.

Being underweight or overweight can be very hindering in your attempt at conceiving. Being overweight has been linked to so many health risks, such as heart problems, diabetes, and cancer. What many people do not realize is that it has also been linked to infertility.

For many, extra weight will come off if you do two things:

1. Eat less and eat healthy

2. Get more physical activity

In fact, one study* showed that being overweight and having a sedentary lifestyle increases your chance for infertility. This study concluded a person may increase their risk of conceiving by 7% for each hour per week of physical activity.

There are some steps you can take if you are overweight and having difficulty in getting pregnant! Once you have determined to choose a healthier lifestyle, follow these steps to achieve a healthier weight:

  • Take more steps...literally! Just taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking far away from the store, and taking a short walk around the block all add up to more calories burned in a day.

  • Stop drinking calories. Other than milk or small servings of juice, you should not be drinking many calories. Calories found in sodas, coffee drinks, tea, and alcohol are not nutrient-dense and will not fill you up.

  • Cut back or cut out calorie-dense, high-fat foods. If you are a mayonnaise or cheese lover, you could save a lot of calories just by cutting back! There are many foods such as French fries, high-fat meats, and butter that are high in calories and can be replaced by healthier versions such as baked potato, leaner meats, and olive oil.

  • Do NOT go on a fad diet! Yes, you will probably lose weigh. The problem is, you will most likely not be able to sustain the diet for life. Make healthier food choices and watch portions in order to have a healthy lifestyle.

  • Lift weights. Weight training is not just for the bodybuilders! Weight training will help you build lean muscle mass, which will not only make you look more fit, but also will cause your body to be more efficient at burning calories. Your metabolism will thank you!

  • Never, never give up! The key is to always see each day, even each meal as a fresh start. Do not get discouraged if you get "off-track," just keep moving forward!
    • By losing excess weight and making healthy lifestyle changes, you will not only improve your chances of conceiving, but also enjoy many other health benefits. You will decrease your risk for many diseases, be at a lower risk for difficulties during pregnancy, and have more energy for motherhood one day!

    * (Epidemiology. 13(2):184-190, March 2002.Rich-Edwards, Janet W. 1 2; Spiegelman, Donna 3 4; Garland, Miriam 5; Hertzmark, Ellen 3; Hunter, David J. 3 6; Colditz, Graham A. 3 6; Willett, Walter C. 3 5 6; Wand, Handan 4; Manson, JoAnn E. 3 6 7)

    For more information about pregnancy and pre-pregnancy, visit http://www.happy-healthy-pregnancy.com/pre-pregnancy-planning.html

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