Making changes to lifestyle and eating habits, and reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, can help improve a couple's chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.
"If you're thinking of trying for a baby, then start by taking a closer look at your weight, lifestyle and eating habits. You are more likely to conceive if you and your partner are both in good health," explains nutritionist Melanie Bibby, from expert weight loss company Slimavite.
"Being overweight, or underweight, can affect your chances of conceiving. Indeed, it is estimated that weight issues may be the cause of 12% of fertility problems.
"By trying to reach and maintain a healthy weight, and eating a varied balanced diet packed full of fresh fruit and vegetables, you may improve your chances of falling pregnant, and you will also be helping to prepare your body for pregnancy."
Being overweight, or obese, can reduce both male and female fertility. In a woman, it can affect ovulation.
One cause of infertility is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is made worse by being overweight or obese. The condition makes it more difficult for a woman's ovaries to produce an egg. Losing weight can help improve the condition.
Being underweight can also have an impact on fertility, particularly for women, who will not ovulate if they are severely underweight.
Melanie added: "Being overweight can also have other implications for pregnancy and birth. The good news is, losing just a small amount of weight may boost your chances, and you'll soon start to feel the benefits."
According to the NHS, problems related to overweight include:
 Higher risk of acquiring urinary infections
It would be harder to look for your baby during ultrasounds because of the extra fatty layers.
Hormonal exchange deficiencies and miscarriage
Development of Gestational Diabetes and Hypertension
Risk of getting Preeclampsia (toxicosis)
Increased risk of having a larger baby (Macrosomia)
Backaches and development of Varicose Veins
Checking your Body Mass Index (BMI) regularly is one way to monitor whether you are within a healthy weight range. To work out your BMI, take your weight (in kilograms) and divide it by your height (in metres) squared. The result is your BMI.
A healthy weight range is a BMI of between 18.5 to 25
You are classed as overweight if your BMI is between 25 to 29.9
You are very overweight if your BMI is greater than 30
"If you are overweight and planning to start a family, avoid fad dieting and consider starting on a weight loss plan such as Slimavite, which advocates a supportive and healthy way to lose weight - for life," says Melanie.
"Set yourself realistic short term and long term goals, as this will help keep you motivated and try not to be too restrictive, as this may result in you giving up on your weight loss plans altogether. Always consult your GP if you are concerned,".
Aug 2011
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