A Weighty Issue

Trying to Conceive When You're Clinically Overweight

By Shel Franco

According to Dr. Chasen, fat tissue can lead to excess production of estrogen. As a result, overweight women may have hormonal imbalances that can prevent ovulation.

Most medical doctors advise overweight women to lose the extra pounds before conceiving. "After I lost my first son at the end of the pregnancy, the doctor suggested waiting six months and losing 20 pounds before conceiving again," says Sherry French of Port Perry, Ontario, Canada. "I lost the 20 pounds prior to conceiving again. I wanted to [know] that I did everything 'right' to ensure a successful pregnancy."

For some women, losing the weight is a matter of lifestyle. For others, it's a matter of physiology. "Achieving a weight that is close to the ideal body weight will improve the chances of conception," Dr. Chasen says. "Ideally, this should be done under the supervision of a physician and a dietitian. For overweight women, an exercise program is also recommended. Women should also be screened for thyroid disorders or diabetes if indicated."

Oddly enough, losing weight can actually be counterproductive to conception – especially if you lose too much too fast. "As a midwife, I strongly suggest that moms refrain from trying to lose weight during the three months prior to conception, through their pregnancy and for at least the period while they're nursing," says Storm Weaver of Houston, Texas. "Research has shown that toxemia (also known as pre-eclampsia) is related to nutrition, not the weight of the woman involved."

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