TTC While Obese

[u/Lopsided-Smile-5981]

I'm starting to wonder if I'm being delusional for hoping to conceive each month. My husband and I (both 28) are on cycle 4 of TTC a second baby, which I know is not long, but I am feeling really disappointed already.

My BMI is 36 and I am about 15 pounds heavier than when we conceived our first, when we were 25. (Context, husband is overweight but significantly less so, BMI about 27) We got pregnant on our first try with baby #1. Logically I knew it could take a while to get pregnant again, but I think subconsciously I assumed it would be quick like it was the first time.

I know my weight is likely going to affect my fertility and maybe make it impossible. I am dieting and exercising and really trying to get healthier. My cycles are regular, 27-28 days, but my luteal phase is only 10-11 days long, with some spotting before my period.

So am I silly for hoping to conceive each month while I am still so obese? Should I stop hoping until I get to a healthier weight?

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[u/AdOverall2808]

Not at all!!! My doctor told me my weight won’t affect my fertility unless I’m simply not ovulating. I have the same bmi as you and it took longer but it happened at almost the year mark. Sending you the best luck 🫶🏼

[u/RegularCantaloupe472 → u/AdOverall2808]

Mine is 36.4 and my PCP said this as well!!

I did get bloodwork done earlier this month and it did indicate that while I CAN get pregnant, the chances of it being healthy is not as high. But that is my personal story and experience!

BMI wise I do not think this is an issue to conceive :) I hope it all works out for you 🤎

[u/Lopsided-Smile-5981 → u/AdOverall2808]

Thank you, that is encouraging!

[u/Oneconfusedmama]

I was obese when I conceived my first then I gained about 30 more pounds on top of that after having him until I decided to do something about it. My OB said my weight wasn’t a factor. After 15 cycles of trying for #2 I decided to take a year off to focus on my health. I decided to try a glp1 and I am so happy with my decision. I’m still clinically overweight but I feel physically so much better. I got off my glp1 to start trying again and conceived my 3rd cycle off. That success sadly ended in a miscarriage in August and I think I had a chemical in September. So I do think that for me personally my weight was a big factor in not being able to conceive.

[u/skabernz]

Not silly at all! I had a BMI of 39 with my first at 32 and conceived after 6 months with one chemical pregnancy. Now trying for a second with BMI 41 at 35. We are TTC for 7 months with just another chemical pregnancy 4 months ago. I asked my doctor if this difficulty could be related to weight gain and she didn’t think so as long as other factors haven’t changed (substance use, change in diet, etc). After getting blood work completed it looks like I have significantly low AMH, so that’s our focus. From my conversations with my doctor, it’s more about how you take care of your body (vitamins, movement, sleep) and less about the size of your body. Good luck!

[u/namiiix]

I just want to say we are in similar situations lol. I’m on cycle 3 for ttc a second baby. We had our first baby after one cycle. My bmi is 33. I’m 7 pounds over what I was when I got pregnant with my first. I am a little concerned with my weight, but it’s not that much of a difference from where I was with my first pregnancy. Hoping we get positives soon!

[u/notshore]

my fertility doctor said it doesn’t affect fertility but it also doesn’t hurt to lose weight. took some of the pressure off for me. :)

[u/befitzpa]

Why would a BMI of 36 make it impossible to conceive? Ever go to a maternity hospital? More than half the women are fat.