Any problems in being overweight and getting pregnant?

I'm just wondering what everyone's experience was getting pregnant if/when they were over weight?  How long did it take?  What weight were you? etc...

I am 30 years old, 265 lbs and am in the process of trying to get pregnant.  No luck yet and I am just wondering if my weight is a huge factor (I do get regular periods so not a problem there)

Hi Shiraz - In a previous life, I was 5'2" and weighed 298 pounds.  While I felt like I was regular in my periods, my body actually was having a hard time regulating hormones due to all of my extra weight.  After several months of trying, I visited a fertility doctor and was diagnosed with PCOS.  I found out that, although my body was shedding the thickened lining of my uterus, I was not actually ovulating.  So, having a regular period can actually be a poor signal of your ability to get pregnant.  My doctor recommended weight loss and I also went on birth control.  I lost down to 150 pounds, went back to the doctor, went off of birth control and was pregnant within two weeks, after trying for over two years at my heavier weight.  Yes, it is possible to get pregnant if you are overweight but, in my experience, it was not.  And I live a much fuller life now as my thinner self. 

If you aren't able to get pregnant within 6 months, most doctors would recommend that you see a specialist. 

Hi Shiraz,

I have been overweight since I was in my teens. The first time I got pregnant I was 19 and weighed 240lbs. About 4 months into the pregnancy I found out I was pregnant with twins. The second time I got pregnant I was 26 years old and I weighed about 308lbs. The third time I got pregnant I was 28 years old and weighed about 315lbs. This fourth time I got pregnant I was 30 years old and weighed 320lbs. I delivered 5 healthy beautiful babies and with each pregnancy I was overweight. I am not sure if I am just part of a small percentage of overweight women that are able to get pregnant or what. Since joining CC in May I have lost a total of 20 lbs which I am excited about. I would not give up trying because I have friends that were overweight and after losing just 10lbs she got pregnant immediately. So some weight loss could help you get pregnant.

I do agree with shopaholic_april that if you aren't able to get pregnant within 6 months seeing a specialist might be the way to go.

I was 79 pounds into my diet when I got pregnant.  I had only resumed getting periods about a few months prior.  So at 271 I was able to get pregnant, without planning it.  At 4 months, I've gained about 5 pounds (I'm calorie counting to make sure I don't gain 80 pounds like last time.)  If your body wants you to get pregnant, it will.  I don't think there is a cut-off weight.  Although for me, my periods stop around 280 or 285.

I was obese for my second pregnancy - started around 245, ended the pregnancy at 260-something.  I had no problems at all.

That said, there are some things that an overweight woman is more at risk for while pregnant.  Pregnancy-related diabetes, for one, and pre-eclampsia (I'm sure I spelled that wrong) I think.  You may want to look into those, just to understand the conditions and the risks.  And, of course, I'm sure that you know you should NOT try to lose weight while pregnant.

I am trying to get pregnant and have been reading about the effect of being overweight on ceonception.

Following on from what april said, if you have too much fat, especially round your mid-section (ie the classic apple shape) the extra fat produces extra oestregen and tricks your body into thinking you are pregnant / on the pill already.

Original Post by shiraz16:

I'm just wondering what everyone's experience was getting pregnant if/when they were over weight?  How long did it take?  What weight were you? etc...

I am 30 years old, 265 lbs and am in the process of trying to get pregnant.  No luck yet and I am just wondering if my weight is a huge factor (I do get regular periods so not a problem there)

I'm currently 7 months pregnant and 19 years old (height: 5 feet and 6.5 inches). I weighed 280 around the time I conceived. I had previously lost 60 pounds before coming pregnant and was actively doing vigorous exercise everyday and eating as best I could. Although, I only started having unprotected sex prior about 2 months before I got pregnant. Not sure why some women like myself get pregnant so easily, but I have to say it happens when you least expect it for a lot of us. I don't think your weight is the problem (although it could be, perhaps get checked out sometime). It wouldn't hurt to lose more weight though! Get healthy as you can before pregnancy so you have fewer problems and a less riskier pregnancy! You want to give your baby the best possible start, after all. =] Just keep trying and enjoy not being pregnant while it lasts. Honestly, this has been the most painful, frustrating roller coaster I've ever been on! I can't wait to get off! Good luck with trying!