Guide | Trying to Conceive? Lose Excess Weight First
Preparing for a baby involves more than setting up a nursery and planning the family budget. Is your body ready?
If you are overweight or obese, obstetricians strongly recommend losing as much excess weight as possible before pregnancy. This affects not only your health but also your baby's development and potentially the child's long-term health.
"We recommend that women reach the healthiest weight possible before pregnancy," said Dr. Alan M. Peaceman, director of maternal-fetal medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. "Even partial weight loss can have positive health effects."
The risks extend well beyond the number on the scale
Research clearly shows that excess weight substantially increases pregnancy risks, including:
Infertility or difficulty conceiving;
Miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects such as spina bifida;
Complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, or preeclampsia.
Maternal obesity may also affect the child's long-term health: "Research suggests that an overweight mother may predispose her baby to obesity in the womb, increasing the future risk of childhood obesity and diabetes."
—Dr. Peaceman
How much weight should you lose before pregnancy?
"The closer to a healthy weight, the better, but any amount of weight loss helps."
—Dr. Alison G. Cahill, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Washington University
She explained: "If your goal is to lose 40 pounds, even losing 20 pounds can produce clear health improvements." Ideally, weight should be lost safely through diet and exercise under the guidance of a doctor or obstetrician-gynecologist.
Already pregnant and overweight? These steps still matter:
Healthy habits can still support your baby's development. Dr. Cahill recommends:
Limit weight gain: Weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy, but weight gain should be carefully managed.
For a BMI of 25–29.9 (overweight), total pregnancy weight gain should not exceed 25 pounds;
For a BMI ≥30 (obesity), total weight gain should not exceed 20 pounds.
Stay active: A brisk 30-minute walk each day is a good starting activity during pregnancy. "We encourage all patients to remain active."
Focus on nutrition basics: Eat a balanced diet across the six food groups, control portions, and do not try to "eat for two."
Guide | Trying to Conceive? Lose Excess Weight First
Guide | Trying to Conceive? Lose Excess Weight First
Preparing for a baby involves more than setting up a nursery and planning the family budget. Is your body ready?
If you are overweight or obese, obstetricians strongly recommend losing as much excess weight as possible before pregnancy. This affects not only your health but also your baby's development and potentially the child's long-term health.
"We recommend that women reach the healthiest weight possible before pregnancy," said Dr. Alan M. Peaceman, director of maternal-fetal medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. "Even partial weight loss can have positive health effects."
The risks extend well beyond the number on the scale
Research clearly shows that excess weight substantially increases pregnancy risks, including:
Infertility or difficulty conceiving;
Miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects such as spina bifida;
Complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, or preeclampsia.
Maternal obesity may also affect the child's long-term health: "Research suggests that an overweight mother may predispose her baby to obesity in the womb, increasing the future risk of childhood obesity and diabetes."
—Dr. Peaceman
How much weight should you lose before pregnancy?
"The closer to a healthy weight, the better, but any amount of weight loss helps."
—Dr. Alison G. Cahill, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Washington University
She explained: "If your goal is to lose 40 pounds, even losing 20 pounds can produce clear health improvements." Ideally, weight should be lost safely through diet and exercise under the guidance of a doctor or obstetrician-gynecologist.
Already pregnant and overweight? These steps still matter:
Healthy habits can still support your baby's development. Dr. Cahill recommends:
Limit weight gain: Weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy, but weight gain should be carefully managed.
For a BMI of 25–29.9 (overweight), total pregnancy weight gain should not exceed 25 pounds;
For a BMI ≥30 (obesity), total weight gain should not exceed 20 pounds.
Stay active: A brisk 30-minute walk each day is a good starting activity during pregnancy. "We encourage all patients to remain active."
Focus on nutrition basics: Eat a balanced diet across the six food groups, control portions, and do not try to "eat for two."
Source:
Collected online