Ideal Weight

A woman who intends to conceive has one more good reason to try to get to her ideal weight. Women who are at least 35% above their ideal weights are more likely to give birth to very large babies which can make for a difficult labor and delivery. Moreover, a 1996 study found that women who weight between 176 and 195 pounds prior to pregnancy, were twice as likely to give birth to babies with neural tube defects than women who weighed 110 to 130 pounds. On the other end of the spectrum, women who weigh less than 85% of their ideal weight have a greater incidence of infertility. And when they do conceive, they are more likely to give birth to underweight babies.

However, all attempts to achieve the ideal weight, either through weight loss or gain, should be planned well in advance of attempted conception. While excessive weight gain during pregnancy is undesirable, so is inadequate weight gain. The woman who follows a severely restrictive diet is putting herself and her baby at risk. Generally, sensible eating is best. If you have questions about your diet during pregnancy, talk with your doctor about proper nutrition. For a medical practice devoted to reproductive endocrinology, infertility, and assisted reproductive technology, please call OAK BROOK FERTILITY CENTER, where dreams are conceived and hopes delivered. New patients are welcome.

P.S. By taking 0.4 mg of the B vitamin folic acid each day, women who intend to conceive can reduce the risk of having babies with neural tube defects by 50%.

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