How Does Obesity Affect Fertility & Pregnancy?

Obese women may have difficulty becoming pregnant as obesity may affect ovulation and fertility by altering the normal hormonal patters that the ovaries need to function properly. It has also been shown that the risks of birth defects and adolescent obesity are increased in children born to obese women when pregnant. It is extremely important for a woman to control her weight well in advance of trying to become pregnant.

What are the Risks of Pregnancy While Obese?

A recent study published in the February 11, 2009 Journal of the American Medical Association¹ took clinical data from previous studies and concluded that indeed there is a link to birth defects when the mother is overweight or obese. Birth defects included: Neural Tube Defects, Spina Bifida, Cardiovascular Problems and Cleft lip.

While the risks of these birth defects were increased, their overall incidence is not widespread, so it is something to consider as obese women decide to conceive.

Studies have also shown that children born to women who have undergone successful weight loss surgery were less likely to be obese than siblings born pre-surgery. A 2006 study published in the journal PEDIATRICS² compared 172 children born to obese mothers that had weight loss surgery to 45 similarly aged siblings that were born before surgery. The incidence of obesity in the post surgical children was 52% lower and the incidence of severe obesity was over 45% lower than in pre-surgical births. Other studies have backed-up these outcomes despite seemingly similar eating habits and similar genetic makeup of the siblings.

When can you get pregnant?

If you undergo bariatric surgery, there are limitations on when you can safely get pregnant. Depending on the procedure and how long you take to heal, the time needed to get pregnant can be up to 18 months. Because pregnancy puts a strain on the abdominal area including the stomach and digestive system, it is very important you do not get pregnant until then or until your surgery declares it safe to do so. For More information on when to get pregnant after Surgery click the following link: Pregnancy After Weight Loss Surgery

Additional Information:

Hair Loss After Weight Loss Surgery
Pregnancy After Weight Loss Surgery
Extra Skin After Weight Loss
Activity After Weight Loss Surgery
Psychological Changes After Weight Loss Surgery
Women & Weight Loss Surgery

¹ Katherine J. Stothard, PhD; Peter W. G. Tennant, MSc; Ruth Bell, MD; Judith Rankin, PhD (2009) Maternal Overweight and Obesity and the Risk of Congenital Anomalies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, JAMA. 2009;301(6):636-650.

² John G. Kral, MD, PhD, Simon Biron, MD, Serge Simard, MSc, Frédéric-Simon Hould, MD, Stéfane Lebel, MD, Simon Marceau, MD, Picard Marceau, MD, PhD (2006) Large Maternal Weight Loss From Obesity Surgery Prevents Transmission of Obesity to Children Who Were Followed for 2 to 18 Years PEDIATRICS Vol. 118 No. 6 December 2006, pp. e1644-e1649 (doi:10.1542/peds.2006-1379)