If you know that you are going to be trying to have a baby soon, it sounds crazy to think of trying to lose weight first. What’s the point right? However, I did that with both of my kids. I lost about 20 lbs. before getting pregnant with both of them because I wanted to be at my healthiest when trying to conceive. Does your weight make a difference?
Trying to conceive when you are overweight can be more difficult. But, not always. Many women who are overweight experience hormone problems that result in irregular ovulation cycles. This can lead to difficulties getting pregnant. If you are one of these women, it might be in your best interest to shed a few pounds in the hope that you can help regulate your periods thus making your chances of getting pregnant greater. A BMI between 19 and 25 is considered a good range.
I was also worried about gestational diabetes. I knew that my weight before pregnancy wasn’t considered obese, but I was overweight enough that I was concerned that the additional pregnancy pounds may put me at risk for gestational diabetes. With my first pregnancy, I did gain 40 lbs. I had extreme water retention that began at about 20 weeks, but luckily my shedding a few pounds before getting pregnant helped me stay out of the at-risk zone for diabetes while pregnant.
If you lose a little weight before getting pregnant, you will feel better about those pounds you will eventually gain. The important thing is to be at your best weight, and maintain a healthy lifestyle while pregnant to give your baby the best nutrition. Losing a little weight before getting pregnant just might help that.
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