The ideal BMI for getting pregnant is between 18.5 and 24.9. This is known as the healthy range. If you have a high BMI, bringing it closer to the healthy range before trying for a baby will help you get pregnant as well as improving the health of your future pregnancy and child.
Your recommended weight gain range for pregnancy will depend on what your body mass index (BMI) was before you became pregnant. The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend that women who are: at a healthy weight (BMI 18.5-24.9) gain 11.5-16 kg. overweight (BMI 25-29.9) gain 7-11.5 kg.
In general, you have a better chance of conceiving if your BMI is between 20 and 25 than if it's below or above this range. If you have a BMI of less than 18.5, you are considered to be underweight.
Being underweight (BMI under 18.5) can reduce a woman's fertility by causing hormone imbalances that affect ovulation and the chance of getting pregnant. Compared to women in the healthy weight range, women who are underweight are more likely to take more than a year to get pregnant.
If your menstrual cycle lasts 28 days and your period arrives like clockwork, it's likely that you'll ovulate on day 14. That's halfway through your cycle. Your fertile window begins on day 10. You're more likely to get pregnant if you have sex at least every other day between days 10 and 14 of a 28-day cycle.
Women with a body mass index (BMI) above 27 are three times more likely than women in the normal weight range to be unable to conceive because they don't ovulate. Women who are overweight or obese are much less likely to conceive.
Most women who have a low BMI in pregnancy are fine, but there is an increased risk of: miscarriage. premature birth (when the baby is born before they are fully developed) the baby having a low birth weight.
How much weight do you lose after giving birth? Once baby has been delivered (along with their accompanying placenta and amniotic fluid), most women lose an average of 10 to 13 pounds.
There are also different tiers of anorexia based on BMI ranging from mild (<17.5), moderate (16-16.99), and severe (15-15.99), to extreme (<15). A BMI below 13.5 can lead to organ failure, while a BMI below 12 can be life-threatening.
Blueberries and raspberries are loaded with natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which may help boost both female and male fertility. Like citrus, they're high in folate and vitamin C, which can help with fetal development down the road.
What Causes Infertility? Problems with ovulation are the most common reasons for infertility in women. A woman's age, hormonal imbalances, weight, exposure to chemicals or radiation and cigarette smoking all have an impact on fertility.
A number of lifestyle factors affect fertility in women, in men, or in both. These include but are not limited to nutrition, weight, and exercise; physical and psychological stress; environmental and occupational exposures; substance and drug use and abuse; and medications.
Having a BMI of 30 or higher during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications for you and your baby. Working with your health care provider can help you manage your risks and promote a healthy pregnancy.
A BMI of 18.5 or less (underweight) often causes irregular menstrual cycles and may cause ovulation to stop altogether.
If you're overweight, doctors advise losing the extra pounds before you conceive, if possible. Going into your pregnancy overweight means you could put your own health and your baby's health at risk, and potentially set your child up for a lifetime of health issues.
1. Beans and Lentils. Beans and lentils are high in fiber and protein, which can help improve ovulation. Studies have shown that replacing animal protein with vegetable sources of protein can reduce the risk of ovulatory infertility.
Avocados and MUFAs
Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) have been associated with promoting regular ovulation and improving fertility. A great source of MUFAs, avocados also contain vitamin A, potassium, folate and other nutrients supporting to reproductive health.
If your BMI is: under 18.5kg/m2 – you are considered underweight and possibly malnourished. 18.5 to 24.9kg/m2 – you are within a healthy weight range for young and middle-aged adults. 25.0 to 29.9kg/m2 – you are considered overweight.