At what BMI is it harder to get pregnant?

Having a BMI below 18.5 is classed as underweight, which can make it harder to get pregnant. Having a low BMI can also cause your periods to become irregular or stop. This can be a sign that you are not ovulating (releasing an egg from your ovary each month), which is needed to get pregnant.


What BMI makes it hard to get pregnant?

If you are underweight (your BMI is 18.5 or less), you may have problems getting pregnant. Being underweight can cause your body to stop making estrogen. This can cause irregular menstrual cycles. You may stop ovulating and getting your period.

What weight is too heavy to get pregnant?

Effect of a high BMI on fertility

Having a high BMI can reduce your chances of getting pregnant. The ideal BMI for getting pregnant is between 18.5 and 24.9.


Can I get pregnant with a 30 BMI?

“Obesity can require special care, but a majority of women with B.M.I. over 30 don't have a complicated pregnancy and do have healthy babies.” Even when the risk for complications increases, the frequency of such events remains low.

What BMI is required for fertility treatment?

Guidelines indicate that your chances of getting pregnant with IVF are better if your BMI is between 19 and 30. A BMI over 30 has a significant negative effect on IVF pregnancy success rates. IVF success rates are most favourable in patients with low and normal BMIs.


Obesity: How it affects fertility, pregnancy and other gynecological areas



How can I increase my BMI for fertility?

If lack of food is the reason for your low weight, try changing to a healthy, balanced diet and aim to gain weight slowly. Try not to use sugary or high-fat foods such as chocolate, cakes and sugary drinks. Instead aim for regular meals with healthy snacks that are high in unsaturated fats, such as nuts.

What BMI affects fertility?

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.

Is it harder to get pregnant when overweight?

Being overweight or obese can affect a couple's ability to get pregnant. In fact, obesity is the cause of fertility struggles in six percent of women who have never been pregnant before, says the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).


Will losing weight help me get pregnant?

You have a greater chance of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby if you are close to a healthy weight. A small weight loss can improve fertility and pregnancy health. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly improves your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby.

Does BMI affect egg quality?

Even with the help of hormones used in the egg freezing process, most studies show that obese women going through IVF tend to have fewer eggs retrieved, fewer mature eggs, and poorer egg quality compared to women who are not overweight or obese. In fact, being obese is directly considered a risk factor for infertility.

What is the normal weight for a woman trying to conceive?

Having a high Body Mass Index (BMI) can reduce your chances of getting pregnant. The ideal or healthy range BMI for getting pregnant is between 18.5 and 24.9.


Does BMI affect ovulation?

A BMI of 18.5 or less (underweight) often causes irregular menstrual cycles and may cause ovulation to stop altogether. A BMI of 17.5 or less could indicate an eating disorder. Women at less than normal BMI should work with their doctor to understand the cause of this situation, and develop strategies to correct it.

Does your BMI affect pregnancy?

Yes. If you're overweight or obese during pregnancy, your baby is more likely to have these conditions: Premature birth. This is birth that happens before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.

How do I know if I am fertile enough 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.


How can I increase my fertility in my 30s?

Here, some general tips for how to potentially boost fertility in your thirties:
  1. Quit Drinking Alcohol. ...
  2. Focus on Getting Your Weight in a Healthy Range. ...
  3. Have Your Partner Ditch His Briefs. ...
  4. Focus on Whole Foods. ...
  5. Find a Way to De-Stress. ...
  6. Rethink Your Exercise Routine. ...
  7. Downshift Your Daily Dose of Caffeine.


Can belly fat cause infertility?

The quantity and distribution of body fat affect the menstrual cycle through a range of hormonal mechanisms. The more excess weight and the more abdominal fat, the greater the risk of fertility difficulties.

Is it better to lose weight before getting pregnant?

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.


What body fat percentage is best for fertility?

Evidence is presented that the high percentage of body fat (26-28%) in mature women is necessary for regular ovulatory cycles.

What is the fastest way to get your BMI down?

A balanced, calorie-controlled diet is the ticket to a healthy BMI – the safe way. By making simple healthier food swaps, reducing portion sizes and cutting down on high-calorie food and drink, you're more likely to reach a healthy BMI steadily, and keep the extra weight off.

When do you start showing in pregnancy if overweight?

Pear-shaped women [of larger size] will likely show between 16 and 20 weeks,” he estimates. “In contrast, some women will have a different weight distribution and body type, referred to as apple-shaped body. The apple-shaped woman [of larger size] can expect to show between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.”


Are ultrasounds harder when overweight?

If you're overweight, it can be more difficult for the person doing the ultrasound scan (sonographer) to get a clear picture of your baby. This is because of the way ultrasound scans work. A scan sends high-frequency soundwaves through your womb (uterus).

What BMI is too low for pregnancy?

What will my midwife do if I am underweight? If your BMI was less than 18.5 before you became pregnant, you may be advised to gain more weight than someone who is in the normal range. Your midwife may refer you to the hospital antenatal clinic for extra scans to check on your baby's growth and development.

Can losing weight improve egg quality?

If you're overweight—which typically means you have a BMI of 25 or higher—your doctor may suggest losing weight to regulate ovulation and boost fertility. Even if you have PCOS, weight loss can help to improve the condition.


Is there a BMI limit for IUI?

We have an upper limit of 35 for IVF and IUI. The decision to do IUI or IVF is individualised based on your age, medical history and ovarian reserve. Your Fertility Doctor will be able to advise you.