Can being underweight stop you getting pregnant?

Being underweight (BMI under 18.5) can reduce a woman’s fertility by causing hormone imbalances that affect ovulation and the chance of getting pregnant. Compared to women in the healthy weight range, women who are underweight are more likely to take more than a year to get pregnant.

Can being underweight cause high risk pregnancy?

Underweight women who become pregnant are at a higher risk for delivery of low birth weight (LBW) infants, retarded fetal growth, and perinatal mortality.

What happens if you are underweight for too long?

Malnutrition. If you’re underweight, you may not be eating enough healthy foods with key nutrients to fuel your body. That can cause malnutrition. Over time, malnutrition can affect your health in a number of different ways that may be noticeable to you or those around you.

What is the ideal weight 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. This is known as the healthy range.

How can I gain weight when trying to conceive?

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 happens if you gain less weight during pregnancy?

Not gaining enough weight over the course of your pregnancy can put you and your baby at greater risk of complications. Babies whose mothers gain too little weight during pregnancy are more likely to: Be born prematurely. Be small for their gestational age.

Is it safe to be underweight during pregnancy?

Being underweight and pregnant should not be a concern so long as you are receiving adequate nutrition during gestation and gaining enough weight throughout your pregnancy. Being underweight before pregnancy may indicate the need to gain more weight than the average weight woman.

What should I do if I’m underweight while trying to conceive?

If you’re trying to conceive and are underweight, talk to your doctor. They can do a simple blood test to see if you’re regularly ovulating. They can also test for other signs of infertility. Your doctor may recommend reaching a healthy weight before becoming pregnant.

Should you gain a few pounds before pregnancy?

If you are underweight, gaining a few pounds before getting pregnant can be helpful. This is particularly important if your pre-pregnancy diet was not adequate nutritionally. 1  Receiving adequate nutrition prior to pregnancy is vital to your health and the health of your baby.

Can low body weight cause infertility and preterm birth?

Low body weight can be a risk factor for infertility and preterm birth. Emily Mitchell, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator for the Center of Fetal Medicine, says, “If you are underweight and trying to get pregnant, aim to gain 2 to 5 pounds and if you are unable, focus on gaining 2 to 5 pounds during your first trimester.”