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Can I Have a Healthy Pregnancy if I’m Overweight?
Your concerns are valid if you’re overweight and have some concern about how it will affect your chances of getting pregnant or having a healthy pregnancy. Carrying excess weight can impact your ability to become pregnant, and being overweight during pregnancy increases certain health risks for mother and baby.
The good news is that with the right care and lifestyle adjustments, you can have a healthy pregnancy, even if you’re overweight. Alan B. Patterson, MD, is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive OB/GYN care, and has extensive experience helping women overcome fertility and health challenges to have healthy pregnancies.
What is a healthy weight?
Body mass index (BMI) is an estimation of how much body fat you’re carrying, and is based on height and weight. The range for a healthy BMI is 18.5–24.9. You fall into the overweight category when your BMI range is 25—29.9, and you’re considered obese when your BMI is 30 or higher.
BMI isn’t a perfect estimation of overweight, obesity, or even overall health. For instance, people with a lot of lean muscle may weigh more, but aren’t carrying as much body fat. A bodybuilder, for example, may fall into this category. For most people, BMI is a helpful tool.
Pregnancy risks associated with excess weight
Being overweight can increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure (preeclampsia), and a higher likelihood of needing a cesarean delivery (C-section). Having gestational diabetes also increases an increased long-term risk of type 2 diabetes for both you and your child.
Excess weight can also impact your baby’s development, increasing the risk of neural tube defects that affect the brain and spine. Babies born to overweight or obese mothers are at a higher risk of stillbirth and may experience complications like macrosomia, where the baby grows significantly larger than average, making delivery more difficult.
However, it’s important to remember that many women who are overweight have smooth, uncomplicated pregnancies. The key to minimizing risks is to focus on a healthy lifestyle and work closely with our obstetrics team to monitor your health.
Benefits of weight loss before pregnancy
Losing weight before trying to get pregnant can greatly improve your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy. When you're overweight, your body may produce higher levels of insulin and androgens, which can disrupt your menstrual cycle and ovulation. This hormonal imbalance can make it harder for you to get pregnant, as it affects the regular release of eggs from your ovaries.
Additionally, excess body fat can lead to chronic inflammation, which can further interfere with your reproductive health by affecting the quality of your eggs and the environment in your uterus. By losing even a modest amount of weight — around 5—10% of your body weight — you can restore regular ovulation, improve your menstrual cycle, and increase your odds of natural conception.
Being overweight can also make it more difficult to get pregnant due to the increased risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common condition that affects ovulation and fertility. Women with PCOS often have irregular periods, making it harder to predict ovulation and time intercourse for conception.
Supporting a healthy pregnancy
Obstetric care is essential for supporting a healthy pregnancy, particularly if you’re starting your pregnancy with any concerns, such as being overweight. Regular prenatal visits with our clinical team allow us to closely monitor your health and the development of your baby.
Through these visits, we can identify and manage potential complications early, such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, which are more common in overweight pregnancies. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized care plan that includes nutritional guidance, pregnancy weight gain management, and safe exercise recommendations tailored to your needs.
In addition to medical monitoring, obstetric care provides you with the education and support you need to make informed decisions throughout your pregnancy. We’ll discuss important topics such as healthy weight gain, dietary needs, and ways to stay active, all of which contribute to the well-being of both you and your baby.
Take the first step
If you’re overweight and planning a pregnancy, or you’re already pregnant, our team at Alan B. Patterson, MD, can provide the expert care you need. With comprehensive obstetric care and expert support, you can have a successful and healthy pregnancy.
Contact us to schedule a consultation at our Coral Springs, Florida, office today. We’re here to guide you through growing your family.
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