Although there are many reasons for infertility, maintaining a healthy weight is a significant factor for conceiving a child. This may pose problems for the 60% of American women who are overweight or obese. If you’re planning to have a baby, you should understand the relationship between weight loss and fertility and how it may affect your pregnancy.

The Relationship Between Weight Loss & Fertility

Weight & Estrogen

Estrogen is a hormone that prepares the uterine lining and matures the egg before ovulation. Your body produces this hormone naturally, but adipose tissue or fat cells also produce estrogen. When you ovulate, estrogen levels increase, but too much of the hormone creates an imbalance and throws off regular menstrual cycles. If you’re concerned about high estrogen levels, consult with a weight management professional. Even a 5% weight loss can drastically improve your chances of having a healthy baby.

BMI & Pregnancy 

A high BMI puts both the mother and baby at risk during pregnancy. Babies of obese or overweight women are likelier to be born prematurely or suffer from birth defects such as heart complications or neural tube issues. Mothers also may develop pre-eclampsia, a high blood pressure disorder during or after pregnancy that can cause seizures or kidney and liver failure. A weight loss specialist will give you an accurate BMI reading and offer solutions for improving that number.

Food & Fertility

Following a structured weight loss plan can improve your chances of carrying a healthy baby to term. Consuming more foods with slow-digesting carbohydrates, such as vegetables, beans, and whole grains, prevents insulin spikes in the body, which can inhibit ovulation. Increasing good fats, like those found in whole milk or full-fat dairy, and decreasing trans fats can also heal the body and aid ovulation.

Take the first steps toward getting healthy for you and your future baby by contacting Nebraska Weight Management Institute in Lincoln and Omaha. Their team of compassionate and caring professionals will put you on the right track to weight loss success. One diet plan their clients love is called OPTIFAST®, a proven meal replacement program. For more information on their products and services, visit them online or call (402) 483-4770.