I am 27 (almost 28) and married with one son. I'm heavy, and I want to have a baby. I've been trying for a while with my husband... but it isn't working. I have quit smoking and I have been exercising and working on my weight. I don't eat meat, cheese, or milk, get a lot of veggies, work out for about 35 minutes a day cardio and 20 min with weights and 3 times a week do yoga at home. . .
I don't want to do fertility treatments yet and my doctor said I shouldn't be trying because I am too fat. I don't know. I've always been heavy. I was 311 when I had my son when I was 19. When I was much younger I did meth (from ages 12 to 17) and during that time I was still 200-260. Who has ever seen a fat tweeker? Well that was me.
Of course, I don't do drugs or drink or anything now! I haven't touched them in over 10 years - just in case you were wondering.
I had irregular periods for a long time, but started taking Vitex and that evened them out.
It's been about 9 - 10 months total since we have been trying and nothing. We went through a rough patch May to July, I don't know - but we weren't trying then. But all in all it's been 9-10 months and I am getting so frustrated.
Update:Of course I have "considered" losing weight - heck if you read the first part of the question - I am even working really hard on it! lol
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My DH's mother was up to the 400 mark with both him and his sister. Plus, two of my cousins were around 300. My best friend was about 270 when she had her baby girl earlier this year and she's only 5'3". I, myself, am around 5'8" and 220lbs, so I know how this feels personally. I've had a few doctors tell me that my chances were slim and a few other tell me that I'm fine. I believe as long as you take care of yourself, try to eat right and get some exercisee, that you'll be fine. My partner and I have been trying for almost a year without much luck (we got pregnant in April and m/c in June) but we're still hopeful. Good luck!
btw- I used drugs a lot when I was younger, too. Especially Meth & Coke. And the whole time I was on them I was around 250lbs so I know how you feel about the fat tweaker thing. Hah.
You don't say how heavy you are now. If you are around 300 and you were fat at 200 I'd say you're back to 300? Or are you back down? Obviously you've been working hard on your health, but really if you are heavy - obese, your hormones are often out of whack becuase a) fat produces estrogen, more fat means too much estrogen b) obesity interferes with insulin effectiveness, more fat means a need for more insulin which is a problem - higher glucose levels and the excess insulin is converted into androgens by the adrenal glands.
But, you're working hard on your health. You're not eating meat, which means you may be anemic - which can lower your fertility, a prenatal vitamin everyday is something you should be taking if you are trying anyway but maybe you also need a little more iron anyway. You are also not eating dairy, dairy, especially fatty dairy (think ice cream) increases fertility for some reason. Calcium is also important as is vit. D, make sure you get that somehow.
Obesity can totally stop you from ovulating, and loosing just 10lbs can cause you to ovulate. With all this work, perhaps a gastric bypass would really help with your fertility. I don't have whole lot to offer - I got pregnant the first time at 300lbs, and again with more weight - and my ideal weight is around 220... Also think about getting your partner's fertility tested.
Being overweight/obese can affect fertility due to the fat tissue affecting hormones and how that affects ovulation. It is a risk factor for PCOS. This isn't true for everyone but statistically overweight and obese people have a harder time getting pregnant. Sounds like you are trying and that is the first step. by the way... if you like meat and dairy don't completely avoid them. just eat low fat items and do so in moderation. after all you do need the calcium, iron and protein.( i am a vegetarian so, i know you can get all this other ways too.) Also, if you are not taking a multivitamin at least take folic acid!!! very important AT THE TIME of conception. its too late to get adequate folic acid after you know your pregnant.
oh, BTW congrats on being clean for so long!!! that is great!!!
good luck!!! sticky baby dust!!!
Being overweight shouldn't hinder you're chances of getting pregnant!
And yes, it really sounds like you're working hard, a little too hard in my opinion!
I can't say from experience because I'm 23 and 100 pounds.
But I seriously doubt that being heavy can do anything to limit you're fertility!
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Its sounds like its your thyroid that is to blame for your infertility. Not so much your weight, but your thyroid, which is of course responsible for your weight but also your ablitity to concieve! If you are eating healthy and excersising hun, there shouldn't be a problem with your weight. Your thyroid is what is to blame. I suggest you seriously learning about natural supplements especially a key nutrient which is iodine to help with your thyroid.
I have been reading the book: Fertility, cycles and nutrition by merilyn shannon and there is tons of awesome info in there to get your body nourished enough to concieve!...hope you will consider persuing this concept! best wishes.
While they say weight hinders, I think it depends on the person. I've never been a "little" kind of girl, and never had problems getting pregnant. I've also never had any complications due to weight like diabetes, high blood pressure---whatever. (I love it when I'm asked "Um, you're not diabetic?" like all fluffy people have to be?! lol)
Have you tracked your ovulation?
Good luck. :O)
Well, I dont know if being overweight hinders ur ability to get pregnant, but I do know that it increases certain risks with your pregnancy and your baby.
I'd consider losing weight before getting pregnant, for the sake of your baby's health.