Highlights
- Obesity can have a negative impact on ovulation and make it harder to conceive naturally.
- Even a 5–10% weight loss can improve fertility and overall egg quality.
- Maintaining a healthy BMI (18.5–24.9) improves the best chance for conception.
- Consult your gynecologist before planning pregnancy for safe guidance.
Can my weight stop me from getting pregnant?
This is one of the most common questions I hear from women planning for pregnancy. As an OBGYN and Fetal Medicine Specialist, I meet many expectant mothers every day for their scans.
While most babies appear perfectly healthy, I also come across some who are at a higher risk of complications.
Over time, I’ve observed that mothers with obesity — and their babies — are more likely to face certain pregnancy-related risks, such as macrosomia (babies larger than usual) and a higher chance of needing a C-section later in pregnancy, compared to mothers with a normal BMI.
In this blog, I’ve explained in detail how obesity can affect fertility and what steps can help you prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
Can We Conceive With Obesity?
Yes, you can conceive with obesity. Many expectant mothers with higher body weight go on to have healthy pregnancies and give birth to healthy babies.
However, in some cases, obesity can interfere with the hormonal balance and prevent ovulation from happening. This makes it difficult for them to conceive naturally.
How Does Obesity Affect My Ability to Get Pregnant?
Obesity can affect your reproductive hormones, often leading to irregular periods thus causing anovulation (a condition where ovulation doesn’t occur) thus making it harder to conceive.
Women with obesity also have a higher risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance, both of which can interfere with normal egg development and release.
Can Obesity Affect Egg Quality?
Some studies say that obesity can have a negative impact on egg quality. But the good news is even 5-10% of weight loss can improve egg health.
What is the Maximum Weight to Get Pregnant?
There isn’t a specific maximum or minimum weight required in order to conceive. However, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index) when planning pregnancy.
BMI is a simple calculation that uses your height and weight to determine if you’re underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese.
A BMI over 30 is considered obese, and a BMI above 35 may require medical guidance before planning pregnancy.
For a safe and healthy pregnancy, it’s best to consult your gynecologist before conceiving. This is because your doctor can assess your overall health, review your BMI, and guide you toward achieving a healthy weight, helping reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and improving fertility outcomes.
What Is the Minimum Weight to Get Pregnant?
Being underweight (BMI below 18.5) can also affect fertility and ovulation. The key is balance — maintaining a healthy BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 gives the best chance for conception and a healthy pregnancy.
BMI Range Chart
| BMI | Range |
|---|---|
| < 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal |
| 25 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| > 30 | Obese |
BMI Calculator – Check Your BMI Here
BMI Checker
Quickly calculate your BMI to understand if your weight is in the healthy range before planning pregnancy.
What Lifestyle Changes Should I Make When Planning Pregnancy With Obesity?
It is crucial to make changes in your lifestyle and have a healthy lifestyle to improve your chances of conception. It is also important for both the partner to follow habits including:
- Healthy and clean eating
- Avoid junk foods
- Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day
- Get a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep
- Minimise stress levels
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy BMI is crucial to increase your chances of conception and to have a smooth pregnancy journey.
However, that doesn’t mean women with obesity cannot have a healthy pregnancy.
With the right medical guidance, a healthy lifestyle, and regular prenatal checkups, it’s absolutely possible to conceive and deliver a healthy baby.
At Jammi Scans, Dr. Deepthi Jammi, Pregnancy Scan Expert, personally guides women who are planning to conceive and helps them prepare for a safe and healthy pregnancy.
If you’re trying to conceive, visit Jammi Scans for expert counselling and advanced ultrasound scans.
FAQ
1. Can I get pregnant naturally if I’m obese?
Yes, many women with obesity have conceived and have given birth to healthy babies. However, visit your gynecologist and get your overall health analyzed before planning for pregnancy to avoid complications.
2. How does obesity affect pregnancy complications?
Obesity can interrupt hormonal balance, leading to anovulation (absence of ovulation), thus affecting fertility.
3. Should I lose weight before taking fertility treatment?
Ideally, it is recommended to have a healthy BMI while trying to conceive. If you are someone who is dealing with obesity, losing even 5–10% of weight can boost your fertility.
4. How can my partner’s weight affect our chances of conceiving?
It is important for both you and your partner to have a healthy BMI and maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce the risks of pregnancy complications and improve your chances of conception.
