It goes without saying that a healthy weight is, well, healthy. Not just for you, but also for your future baby. Tips below will help you determine your healthiest weight, and how to get there. Talking about your weight with your health care provider is also important.
When you’re at a healthy weight you’re at less risk of health problems such as:
When you’re at a healthy weight it may be easier to conceive a baby.
Being at a weight that is healthy for you can help you have a healthier pregnancy.
There are healthy ways to make changes to improve your health, which in turn can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Learn more about food and nutrition and physical activity.
Here are two ways to assess your weight:
BMI is a calculation that uses your height and weight. It is a way to help you know if you’re under, at, or above a healthy weight.
A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is in the healthy range. This range has the lowest risk of developing health problems.
While BMI gives you some information about your weight it might not give you the whole picture about your health.
Someone who has a BMI in the healthy range but doesn’t get enough physical activity may not be as healthy as someone with a higher BMI who is active. Also, if you’re a trained athlete you may have a lot of muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat, which means that you may have a higher BMI but not have higher amounts of body fat.
You can use the BMI calculator to calculate your BMI. Your health care provider can also help you understand your BMI.
Waist circumference is another way to get some information on your weight and your risk of chronic disease. Measuring your waist circumference helps you know where fat is stored on your body.
For women, a waist measurement over 80 cm increases your risk of chronic disease.
For men, a waist measurement over 94 cm increases your risk of chronic disease.
Learn more about healthy waists and measuring your waist circumference. You can also talk to your health care provider about your measurement.
Being at a healthy weight can help your chances of conceiving a child.
Women who are well below or well above a healthy weight may have more trouble becoming pregnant.
Being well below a healthy weight could affect your monthly menstrual cycle, which sometimes leads to irregular periods. If you’re not ovulating (releasing an egg) you won’t be able to become pregnant. Your health care provider can help you to use healthy ways to slowly gain weight if you are under a healthy weight.
Being well above a healthy weight can also affect your monthly menstrual cycle, which sometimes stops ovulation (releasing an egg). Your health care provider can help you use healthy ways to slowly lose weight if you are above a healthy weight.
For females with a BMI over 30, even a small amount of weight loss may increase the chances of becoming pregnant.
Males who are well above a healthy weight can have changes in hormone levels (e.g., lower testosterone), which can cause problems getting or keeping an erection. They may also have a lower sperm count. This can make it harder to conceive a baby.
For more information about what is considered a healthy weight, click here.
Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns about your weight.
Learn more about fertility concerns.
Being at a healthy weight before pregnancy gives you a better chance of having a healthy pregnancy and can benefit the health of your future baby.
Pregnant people who are below a healthy weight may have higher risks of preterm birth and low birth weight babies. Preterm and low birth weight babies have an increased risk of disease in the first few weeks of life. There’s also a risk of physical and developmental disabilities and ongoing health problems later in life. Those who have a BMI over 30 may have increased risk of a preterm birth, baby with a high birth weight, caesarean section and certain birth defects.
The amount of weight that’s healthy for you to gain during pregnancy will depend on your pre-pregnancy BMI. Learn more about the amount of weight gain that’s right for you during pregnancy.
If you’re concerned about your weight, body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference, talk to your health care provider. They can connect you to resources in your community.
You can also call Health Link at 811 to ask about programs or services in your area.
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