Skinny Figure Not Advisable for Pregnancy

Being overly thin could be pretty much be as harmful as being overly fat on the subject of getting pregnant, based on a recent study.

Thinness is connected to problems with fertility in some couples who are trying to have a baby naturally, usually because underweight women have irregular periods as well as creating small amounts of the hormone oestrogen.

Obesity may also have an impact on the possibility of conception, with extra weight associated with irregular periods and certain conditions like polycystic ovaries.

Yet even with numerous studies have concentrated on the negative effect of obesity, a new one proposes that being too thin is just as unfavorable, or maybe even more.

Experts from Chicago studied facts from 2,362 cycles of IVF comprising women of below 40 years old.

Pertaining to women who were underweight (those who have a body mass index (BMI) between 14 and 18), the possibility of giving birth to a fit baby was 34%.

It was substantially greater (50%) in fit or somewhat overweight women (those who have a 19 to 28 BMI), with 45% in too overweight and obese women (those who have 29 to 43 BMI).

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the NHS state that women should, if possible, hold a 19 to 30 BMI to be approved for IVF.

Yet, a lot of primary care trusts (PCTs) establish their own restrictions on weight as to who they will and will not give treatment.

Dr. Richard Sherbahn, of the Advanced Fertility Centre of Chicago, performed the research and presented his results at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) convention in Orlando.

He stated that several other studies had revealed that being overly thin was bad for fertility, however, it was not clear as to why this needs to be the scenario with IVF, when drugs were given to women so as to allow them to develop eggs.

This ought to find a way around any troubles a thin woman might have with irregularity in her period.

Dr. Sherbahn stated that it was probable, in evolutionary respect, that being overly thin could mean that the body thinks it is not yet the best time to reproduce.

There could also be variances in the womb’s receptivity to an embryo based on a woman’s weight. Dr. Sherbahn stated that there is really no good explanation for the underlying factors but the message here is to attain a healthy BMI if at all possible.

Charles Kingsland, a consultant gynecologist from the Liverpool Women’s Hospital and a member of the British Fertility Society, stated that he was not taken aback that being overly thin could affect the probability of pregnancy more than being overly fat could. He said that if a woman’s BMI is 16, 17, or 18, then she really is very thin and that it was the usual for him to see these types of patients. He went on further that if a woman holds a BMI of 16 and she has problems with fertility, IVF is not going to solve that. He said that it was the same as the body telling the woman that it is not a great time for her to become pregnant.

Mr. Kingsland also said he sees women who have eating disorders and went on to say that eating disorders are one of the unseen significant in society which are greatly overlooked. It not only affects the woman’s health but it affects her family as well, he said, there are plenty of things that people can assist themselves prior to their intervention and should start to look for medical advice. He continued that it is important to assess body weight, maintain a good diet which is filled with fruits and vegetables along with vitamins and minerals and cutting off on alcohol, ceasing smoking, and attempting to be active.

Daisy Jane Antipuesto RN MN

Currently a Nursing Local Board Examination Reviewer. Subjects handled are Pediatric, Obstetric and Psychiatric Nursing. Previous work experiences include: Clinical instructor/lecturer, clinical coordinator (Level II), caregiver instructor/lecturer, NC2 examination reviewer and staff/clinic nurse. Areas of specialization: Emergency room, Orthopedic Ward and Delivery Room. Also an IELTS passer.

What Do You Think?