I know that being underweight isn't a subject that too many wormen think about, but I'm on the lower end of the "normal" Body Mass Index and I'm wondering if gaining a few pounds would help with TTC. I'm resistant because I'm still in the "normal" range, but a friend keeps telling me to gain! Have any Bees gained weight to help with TTC? Any thoughts on how to gain "good" weight?
-
According to the BMI calculator I was slightly underweight prior to getting pregnant. Right now at 29 weeks pregnant my weight is "normal" on the BMI calculator but my doctors have been happy with my weight and my weight gain. I dont think this is an issue to worry about unless you are severely uderweight
-
I think if you're in the normal range it should be fine. If you don't weigh enough when you get pregnant, your doctors will just tell you to gain more than most. You could always talk to your doctor to see what they suggest, and go to a nutritionist if they tell you to gain some weight.
-
My BMI is in the underweight range. I'm TTC and haven't gotten pregnant yet, but it has nothing to do with my weight. As far as gaining weight, maybe eat a little more protein and do some weight training?
-
By BMI I'm on the lower end of normal, even at 9 months pregnant I wasn't in the overweight category. I haven't had my body fat tested in awhile but I was a runner sometimes they'd test and I was always about 12%, I probably was a bit higher than that when we conceived but not much. It still might be worth it to try to change your diet a bit and see if that does help, even if you don't gain a lot of weight, who knows, maybe there is something to food.
-
I wouldn't worry about it too much unless you have actually been trying for a while and having a hard time getting pregnant. Adding some protein to your diet certainly won't hurt but I wouldn't put a lot of time or worry into trying to gain weight.
-
I would just focus on eating healthily, rather than on gaining weight. If you're eating healthy foods, and getting a good amount of healthy fats, and you're still at the lower end of normal, then that's just where your body wants to be. As previous posters said, I wouldn't worry about it until you have trouble getting pregnant--then it might be something to bring up to your doctor.
-
I have always been underweight on the BMI calculator but with pregnancy, my doctors have told me that it's more important what you're eating than what you weigh. Obviously that is not true if you are drastically over/under weight, but I wouldn't worry about it too much unless you start having trouble getting pregnant.
I would definitely make sure you are getting adequate nutrition though - I know at times my poor nutrition has resulted in thyroid or anemia problems, and those are no fun!
-
As your friendly online-neighborhood nutritionist, even being a little on the underweight side past normal wouldn't be too worrisome. Unless you have extra-long cycles, it's not likely to be a factor.
-
I am also on the lower end of the BMI scale and managed to get pregnant relatively quickly. I think the main indicator would be how your cycles are. If they are regular ( for you) then weight is probably not an issue.
-
@GreenThumb: I got pregnant at a low weight in the normal range. I wouldn't worry about it. Your body knows itself better than you or the doctors know it. If you need to put on weight, it will happen on its own.
-
Your post got me thinking -- and reading. I've been wondering about this, too after going off the pill and experiencing nada for going on three months. If you are having cycles, your weight is probably not an issue. If you (like me!) have a cycle that has disappeared you might need to gain weight -- in particular fat! If your cycle is gone you could have hypothalamic amenorrhea -- I don't know what your lifestyle is like otherwise, but it often results from overexercising, undereating, low body fat content, or a BMI under 21 -- which is even in the normal BMI range.
Sorry for the info overload. I've just been wondering about me (I'm a healthy weight but I do work out often and have low body fat) and thought this all might be helpful.
-
My friend's mom couldn't conceive for a couple years and was very thin. She gained five pounds and got pregnant right away (and had my friend!) But it could be a coincidence. Who knows?
-
people have told me that i needed to gain weight to be healthy for pregnancy - this was when we were trying actively. they seem to think it makes a difference. guess you shouldn't be too underweight or too overweight. not sure scientifically though if it matters?
-
Thanks everyone. I really think I'm a normal healthy weight and DH and I eat really healthy already. My friend just keeps telling me to gain, but that maybe because she has her own weight issues. But clearly she did get me thinking...
Reply
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
14 comments