How to Become Pregnant When You Are Overweight

Though being overweight is linked to infertility it is not usually the main cause of fertility problems. Weight is only an issue for 10 percent of overweight women who are trying to conceive. Therefore, it is important to discover if any fertility barriers exist prior to you trying to conceive. Some fertility barriers for overweight women include irregular periods, stress, inadequate ovulation patterns and excessive amounts of estrogen.

Visit a health care professional. Sometimes there is an underlying medical condition that causes infertility in overweight women. A physician, preferably a fertility specialist, will be able to identify and treat a problem if it exists. The physician will usually begin by asking for details about your medical history such as menstrual cycle patterns and past and present sexual partners.

Next, your blood will be drawn and then an X-ray of your uterus and tubes will be taken. The doctor will notify you if he decides that you require further testing such as ultrasounds or an endometrial biopsy. If a test result returns abnormal you will more than likely be required to retest and further decisions will be made after those results return. If a fertility problem is discovered the physician may recommend treatment, but sadly some fertility problems are untreatable.

Ask your partner to see a fertility specialist. Just because you are overweight does not mean you are the only person in your relationship that can have fertility problems. In fact, 40 percent of males are the cause of a female not being able to conceive. During the exam the physician will request a semen sample from your partner. After receiving the sample the sperm will be analyzed after 30 minutes and the physician will explain the results to you and your partner.

Monitor the types of foods you are consuming. Losing 5 to 10 percent of body fat can greatly increase your ability to conceive. Begin by cutting down your calorie intake to about 1,000 to 1,200 daily. Consume more fruits and vegetables and less red meats and sweets. Cut down on unhealthy foods that contain trans-fats and saturated fats.

Improve your daily lifestyle. Exercise at least three to four days a week. If you are not accustomed to exercising, start slow and then gradually build up your routine. For example, if you prefer to run 30 minutes a day, start off walking for the first few days and then slowly include running into your routine. Also, eliminate smoking and alcohol -- these substances are known to decrease your ability to conceive.

Keep track of your ovulation days and menstrual cycle. Use a calendar to make note of everything that is happening to your body. Insert the important notes about your period such as the day your period began and ended, and how heavy or light your period was. Also, take important notes of when you ovulate such as your basal temperature, how your body felt during ovulation and how long after your period did ovulation occur. If your menstrual cycle lasts for 28 days then normally you will ovulate 14 days after your menstrual cycle begins. During ovulation your basal temperature may raise, your breasts may feel tender and you may feel slight pain in the lower abdomen -- and your cervical mucus may change as well.

Be intimate on and around the days you ovulate. Try to be intimate at least three times a week even if you are not ovulating. Also, be intimate prior to you ovulating because your partner's sperm will survive up to three days, while your eggs only survive up to 24 hours after ovulation.