Many can be the causes why a woman in reproductive age is not able to get pregnant. Some diseases such as polycystic ovaries,uterine myomas or ovulation problems are generally treated by specialist based on each patients conditions. But occasionally, habits related to lifestyle can also be the reason a woman can not get pregnant.
It is fundamental that a couple is conscious that their health must be at its best when thinking of having a baby. Besides avoiding harmful habits as tabaquism, alcohol and hallucinogenic substance abuse, the couple must keep an adequate body weight in order to get pregnant and for the pregnancy to have a healthy development.
Taking care of body weight is a base in women’s health. Not only it will provide her of a better health and self esteem, it will also increase significantly her fertility.
Scientific evidence has unveiled how morbid obesity changes both men and women reproductive prognosis. Fertility alterations that overweight and obese women can suffer are: ovulation disorders, decreased egg quality and embryos, embryo implantation disorders caused by endometrial modifications in obese patients. All these causes may not only decrease pregnancy probabilities but also increase abortion chances.
Obese patients also have higher risk of gestational period complications. Most frequent are: threatened abortion,threatened preterm labor and preterm labor, high blood pressure,gestational diabetes, etc. All these put in risk mother, fetus and newborn.
Overweight and obese men may also have reproductive difficulties,overweight may interfere with sperm motility or may cause erectile dysfunction.
Recommendations
To maintain an adequate body weight in order to increase fertility, we recommend:
Get an appointment with a nutritionist so you can get the most convenient diet for you. Avoid dangerous diets that can affect your health.
Exercise at least three times per week for 45 minutes. This way you can lose weight and improve your cardiovascular health.
If you are underweight, you may also present difficulties when it comes to get pregnant. Ask your doctor if your weight is not between the adequate ranges.
Check your eating habits and think which type of foods may be affecting your body weight. Even though you should not exclude any type of food, its is healthy to reduce carbohydrates, sweet and high caloric content foods.
