Fertility expert Dr. Kenosha Gleaton gives her advice on trying to conceive (TTC) when overweight.
By OBGYN and fertility expert Dr. Kenosha Gleaton
Being above average weight may add more stress to your fertility journey. How does weight impact fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth? There are some risks to be aware of, but I’ve seen women of all sizes have healthy, happy pregnancies.
Can being overweight impact fertility?
Yes. Excess weight makes you more likely to experience irregular cycles, including irregular ovulation and periods. Anything that impacts ovulation in turn impacts fertility.
To find out if you are ovulating, you should use ovulation tests. Even if you do experience irregular ovulation, keeping track of your cycle can increase your chances of getting pregnant!
There are many factors to consider in the relationship between fertility and weight, including hormones, fat tissue, and more. It’s important to note that being overweight is associated with higher miscarriage rates, lower pregnancy rates, and pregnancy complications.
This isn’t to scare you away from trying to conceive, as women of all sizes can have happy, healthy pregnancies! It is important, however, that you know what to look out for and how to best support your body for TTC and pregnancy.
