Benefits of weight loss during pre-pregnancy prep
Written in association with:
Obstetrician - gynaecologist
Published: 07/11/2024
Edited by: Aoife Maguire
Preparing for pregnancy is an exciting time, and ensuring your body is in optimal health can significantly impact both fertility and the health of your future baby.
Weight management can play a crucial role in reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes. Below, renowned consultant obstetrician Ms Vinita Singh explores how weight loss might benefit those planning a pregnancy and why achieving a healthy weight is important for fertility, smoother pregnancy journey and a healthy baby.
How does weight affect fertility?
When it comes to conceiving, weight can be a determining factor for women. Excess weight, particularly obesity, can disrupt hormone balance, which in turn affects ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries). Women with a higher body mass index (BMI) may experience irregular menstrual cycles, making it more challenging to predict ovulation or, in some cases, to ovulate at all. This condition, known as anovulation, is a leading cause of infertility. PCOS is more prevalent with high BMI.
How does weight influence baby’s health and long-term outcomes?
Achieving a healthy weight before pregnancy doesn’t just benefit the mother; it can have lasting effects on the baby’s health, too. Research suggests that babies born to mothers with obesity have a greater risk of obesity in childhood and later life. They may also be at a higher risk for developing chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. By achieving a healthy weight prior to conception, parents can set a foundation for a healthier start to their child’s life in addition to their own.
Weight loss prior to conception can lower the chances of these complications. For those who are overweight, even a modest reduction in weight—around 5 to 10 percent of total body weight—can improve health outcomes significantly.
Why is weight loss important for a healthy pregnancy?
Pregnancy places considerable demands on the body, and achieving a healthy weight beforehand helps reduce potential complications. Overweight or obese women are more likely to face pregnancy issues, such as gestational diabetes (a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy), pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy), preterm birth, increased risk of caesarean section , wound infections & delayed recovery. Babies born to mothers with obesity may have a higher risk of complications, such as big babies, birth defects or prematurity.
What is a healthy way to approach weight loss before pregnancy?
For those considering weight loss before pregnancy, the goal should be gradual and sustainable changes. Fad diets or rapid weight loss methods can strain the body and may be counterproductive.
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, combined with regular physical activity, is often the most effective approach to weight management. Occasionally you might need additional help to kickstart the process of achieving weight loss.
Consulting a healthcare provider or a dietitian before making dietary changes is recommended, as they can tailor advice to meet individual needs.
A healthy weight before conception enhances fertility, supports a smoother pregnancy, and promotes long-term health for both mother and child. By taking steps to manage weight, parents-to-be can create the best possible environment for a new life.
How can Miss Singh assess your pre-pregnancy health?
At your first consultation, Miss Singh will see you, and assess your general health, including checking blood pressure, and doing blood tests, to assess your iron levels, vitamin levels, thyroid function, liver and kidney function. She will provide you with tools to assist with nutrition, diet and exercise.
Additionally, she can also put you in contact with a specialist personal trainer, to support your nutrition and exercise plan.
If you would like to book a consultation with Ms Singh, simply visit her Top Doctors profile today.