HOW BODY MASS (BMI) IMPACTS OUR PREGNANCY CHANCES
If you are thinking about getting pregnant or trying, it is important to be aware of how exercise, or lack of exercise, may be affecting your natural fertility. The fact is most of us never think that exercise can impact our infertility, however too much or too little exercise may delay or even prevent you from becoming pregnant. It's widely accepted that obesity has a negative affect on our health both for girls and for guys, but did you also know that over exercise and low body weight (BMI) may also affect fertility.
What is BMI?
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women, regardless of gender, age, or frame size.
What's so important about BMI?
Being too thin (a body mass index of less than 18.5) or overweight (a BMI of 25 or more) may affect your natural fertility and additional research shows obesity may increase the risks of complications during pregnancy and even your baby's health. If you are concerned about your weight you should consult your General Practitioner. Use our tool to calculate your pre-pregnancy BMI. This will give you a starting point for recommended weight gain or loss.
WHAT IS MY BMI - BODY WEIGHT
Calculate your BMI here less than 18.5 = I am underweight Between 18.5-24.9 = I am normal weight Between 25-29.9 = I am Overweight BMI of 30 or greater = I am classified as having Obesity.
✨ Trying to Conceive?
Our Ovulation & Fertility Bundle combines Myo-Inositol with essential vitamins to support healthy hormone balance and regular ovulation.
Shop Now — $55.00✓ Free shipping on orders over $40 | ✓ Trusted by millions of couples worldwide
Some research about being Overweight
Danish researchers in a study of over 5000 men found a link between obesity in men and lower sperm count compared to normal weight men (1) and in the same study found a lower IVF success rate for women with a BMI over 35 (13% compared to 19% among healthy weight women). They were also less likely to become pregnant after two in-vitro fertilization attempts (22% became pregnant vs more than 20% of normal or underweight women. If you are overweight, losing 5 percent to 10 percent of your current weight is often enough to improve ovulation.
What About being Underweight?
A Harvard researcher, Professor Rose Frish has conducted a range of studies showing how under nutrition and intense physical activity can have a limiting effect on female fertility. Women who have too little body fat, because of over dieting and/or intensive physical activity show a disruption or impairment of their reproductive ability (2) . If you are too lean, gaining 2-5kg can sometimes be enough to restart ovulation and menstrual periods.
Pregnancy tips to help you conceive
The time to start working toward a healthy pregnancy is before you conceive. If you are trying to get pregnant quick, our pregnancy tips are good start to get your body ready for conception process.
What is Conceive Plus
If you have just started trying to get pregnant or have been trying for a while, Conceive Plus® can help increase your chances of conception naturally! Recommended by doctors, pharmacists and fertility clinics in more than 60 countries, this is the fertility friendly lubricant approved by the FDA and a prescription is not required. For where to buy Conceive Plus, visit our where to buy page
References
1. Jensen, T. Fertility and Sterility, October 2004; vol 82: pp 863-870. Ryley, S. "Influence of body mass index (BMI) on the outcome of 6,827 IVF cycles," presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Philadelphia, Oct. 16-20, 2004.
2. Rose E. Frisch Associate Professor of Population Sciences, Emerita Member, Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies Department of Population and International Health
🌱 Support Your Fertility Journey
Conceive Plus fertility supplements are clinically formulated to help regulate your cycle and support egg quality.
Shop Fertility Support →Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended by Fertility Experts
Conceive Plus Men's Fertility Support
Designed to support healthy sperm production, motility, and overall male reproductive health with clinically studied nutrients.
Shop Now →What is considered a healthy BMI for getting pregnant?
A healthy BMI for conception falls between 18.5 and 24.9, according to guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Both BMI levels below 18.5 (underweight) and above 25 (overweight) can negatively impact fertility in both men and women. If you're outside this range, consulting with your healthcare provider or a fertility specialist can help you develop a safe weight management plan.
How much weight do I need to lose to improve my fertility?
Research shows that losing just 5-10% of your current body weight can significantly improve ovulation and fertility outcomes if you're overweight. For example, a woman weighing 200 pounds may see improvements with a loss of 10-20 pounds. However, the amount varies by individual, so it's best to work with your doctor or a registered dietitian to set realistic goals for your specific situation.
Can being underweight affect my ability to get pregnant?
Yes, being significantly underweight (BMI below 18.5) can impair fertility in women by disrupting hormone levels and ovulation cycles. Harvard research has shown that insufficient body fat combined with intense physical activity can limit female reproductive function. If you're underweight, your healthcare provider may recommend gradually increasing calories and nutrients to support hormonal balance and fertility.
Does obesity affect male fertility and sperm count?
Yes, studies show that obesity in men is linked to lower sperm count and reduced sperm quality compared to men at a healthy weight. Research from Denmark involving ov
What are the pregnancy complications associated with high BMI?
Higher BMI increases the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and complications for the baby including birth defects and childhood obesity. Women with a BMI over 35 also have lower IVF success rates (approximately 13% vs. 19% for healthy weight women, according to research). Achieving a healthier BMI before conception can reduce these risks and improve overall pregnancy outcomes.
How do I calculate my BMI before trying to conceive?
BMI is calculated using your height and weight: divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared, then multiply by 703. The article provides an interactive BMI calculator tool you can use to determine your category (underweight, normal, overweight, or obese). Knowing your pre-pregnancy BMI gives you a baseline for discussing healthy weight goals with your healthcare provider.
Should I talk to my doctor before making weight changes while trying to conceive?
Yes, absolutely—consulting your primary care physician or fertility specialist before making significant dietary or exercise changes is important to ensure your approach is safe and appropriate for conception. They can help you develop a balanced plan that doesn't compromise your nutritional status or ovulation, and can monitor your progress. This is especially important if you're already underweight or have underlying health conditions affecting your fertility.
Trusted by Couples in Over 70 Countries
Support Male Fertility From the Inside Out
Male fertility is just as important as female fertility in the conception journey. Conceive Plus Men's range delivers targeted nutritional support to promote healthy sperm and overall reproductive wellbeing.
Shop Men's Range →
