Weight loss and getting pregnant

I don't have experience, personally, but I've been on WW and talked to a lot of people on the boards over there and it's quite common.

You've only been trying for 4 months, so it could just be bad timing or stress. From everything I know, eating healthy, exercising and losing weight to get to a healthy place will help you get pregnant, not hurt.

I've read a lot of articles where they've linked extra weight with fertility issues. I also know lots of overweight women who haven't had any trouble. That being said, I'm in a similar boat as you, and am focussing on getting healthy instead of obsessing about not conceiving.

Depending on how much you have to take off, I've also heard of many women who continue to eat healthy and exercise throughout their pregnancy and actually continue to take off weight throughout the pregnancy - in a healthy way, nothing that is a danger to the child.

I figure it this way, getting healthy and being stronger and more active is always a move in the right direction.

I know 1 person who lost weight and started working out and then got pregnant. They had a very hard time when they were over weight and then while they were pregnant they continued to work out and eat healthy they just ate more calories a day while they breast feed and while they were pregnant. They only gained 20 during the pregnancy and It was very easy for them to loose the weight afterwards. So I think what your doing will not be a wast of time and good luck to the both of you I will say a little prayer for you and hope the lord gives u another little one. :0)

You are not crazy. Weight loss isn't just about looking better, it's about feeling better and being healthier. It's about moving better, breathing better and sleeping better. I lost weight before both of my kids. It's harder to push a stroller or chase a toddler pregnant. My son was 2 when I was pregnant with my daughter and I was able to go to parks with him and walks in the mornings. I could easily carry him when he fell asleep.

If you lose weight before getting pregnant you will continue your good habits while pregnant and will lose the weight much faster afterward. I walked, did prenatal pilates, resistance bands and prenatal aqua aerobics while pregnant. That would have been more difficult if I was still carrying the extra weight from my son. After my son it took a year to get back in shape while nursing. After my daughter it took 2 months to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be healthy.

One of my primary motivations for losing weight was to be healthy during pregnancy and after. I've kept off 54 lbs for two years and am now pregnant with my first child. So far my pregnancy weight gain is falling within the "normal" range for someone my size (I am still technically overweight) and my overall health is excellent.

I can't say whether it will be easier to lose the baby weight after pregnancy, but I imagine it will be because healthy eating is already a habit for me now.

I think many people have the misperception that when you get pregnant you have to go "off your diet" and all your hard efforts are thrown out the window--THIS IS NOT AT ALL TRUE. Since I became pregnant I eat pretty much how I ate when I was trying to lose weight I just add in a few extra calories at each meal. For example, a pre-pregnancy lunch might have been a 6" sub from subway. Now I might have the same sub but add a glass of milk. You really don't need a ton of extra calories when you're pregant so if you can develop good habits now, there's a better chance you will stick with it during and after pregnancy.

With all that said, of course pregnancy brings with it cravings and aversions and mood swings that can make sticking to a healthy lifestyle difficult, but we're human, and it's ok if we're not perfect every day (I'm not!) But don't let people tell you that pregnancy is something that has to sabotage healthy living--your way of thinking is much better--focus on being healthy now, during, and after your pregnancy. Good luck! (and if you haven't checked out the TTC and Pregnancy boards yet, be sure to--there's many people out there who have been through similar experiences)

.

I also used an ovulation detector to help our chances of getting pregnant. I HIGHLY recommend the Clear Blue Easy Ovulation detector. I got pregnant within 3 weeks of using it.

These are great but expensive. The cheep disposable stick type ones on ebay (amongst othe places) are just as good and are fraction of the cost.

It seems everyone here has already shared with you that carrying extra weight can cause infertility problems. I also wanted to share that maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle during pregnancy allows for a much less problematic pregnancy and delivery. Fewer occurrences of gestational diabetes, fewer body aches, smoother and shorter delivery just to mention the highlights. and YES losing weight beforehand means you have less weight to lose afterward. Think about the time and energy you have to put into losing 15lbs right now......Now think about the time and energy you would have to put into losing 45lbs. Which would you rather do? Don't allow anyone to discourage you from taking care of yourself. This life long project is an excellent way to focus your energy into worthwhile efforts and provide a nice distraction from your mission of conception.
Wishing you Blessed Success in both your weight loss endeavors and extending your family.

your not crazy... I was told by my doctor if I wanted to get pregnant I would need to loose weight.. because being overweight for me have cause me to have inrregular periods.. he said if I loose weight.. my period should regulate more.. and I would have a better chance in getting pregnant.. he says that weight does matter.. specially if your having a hard time getting pregnant.. so I'm hoping his right.. so far I lost almost 50 lbs... I want to have a baby so bad... hopefully....one day...good luck to you

I dont' think you are crazy. I am actually doing the same thing. My husband and friends think I am crazy because they feel why not get pregnant and then lose it after... I feel I want to be as healthy as possible before and then hopefully I won't have as much to lose afterwards. Plus if I am eating helathy before I get pregnant then hopefully it won't be as hard to stay on that track while I am pregnant... it's better for me and the baby in the long run. Good luck on getting pregnant- I wish you well.

The extra weight can contribute to a condition called PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome. I know from very personal experience. Both of my boys were the result of fertility shots, although we were a much harder-to-treat couple than most PCOS couples. In two more months, if you've still had no luck, go see your doctor. Don't let them to tell you to wait another 6 months. That's total BS. Demand to have the hormonal tests done to see what's happening that may be impacting your efforts.

As far as weight and healthy eating when you're pregnant, the rule of thumb is 2,000 calories when you're carrying. I had gestational diabetes with my second pregnancy and was able to control it with the prescribed diet and medication, no shots. I gained 18 pounds during that pregnancy, compared to 33 during my first.

I'm a big proponent of being aggressive with treating these issues, having spent 18 months of shots and pills to get pregnant the first time. It took one cycle the second time because we cut out all of the crap that didn't work.