IVF and Miscarriage -- Overweight Women at Higher Risk
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A British study concluded that overweight and obese women are at a greater risk of miscarriage after undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

The findings aren't knock-you-off-your-feet surprising, because it's generally accepted that overweight and obese women have an increased risk of pregnancy complications or miscarriage. What's more, obesity can be a contributing factor for infertility.

IVF, however, is not an inexpensive or easy venture that people enter into lightly. The recent study findings, presented at a European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology meeting in Rome, highlight that a healthy weight can go a long way toward a successful pregnancy. In fact, knowing the risks associated with obesity, some clinics opt not to perform IVF for women over a certain BMI.

Dr. Vivian Rittenberg, lead researcher and clinical fellow in the Assisted Conception Unit at Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital in London made these comments in an Associated Press article:

"Our aim was not to exclude women from getting treatment, but to help women get the best outcome after they have IVF."

Not only is infertility a highly emotionally-charged issue, sometimes the reasons for infertility are unknown or uncontrollable. Weight is one potential barrier a mother-to-be has some control over. Achieving a healthy weight can help women become pregnant and also increases their chances of carrying a baby to term.
Some tips for getting your body ready pregnancy ready:

* Choose nutrient-dense foods. Microwaveable diet meals may be low in calories, but they're often filled with highly processed pastas or white rice and are usually high in sodium. Instead, opt for foods that not only benefit your waist line, but also benefit your overall health such as a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It's also important to consume calcium-rich foods such as dark, leafy greens and low-fat dairy.
* Manage stress. For many people, emotional eating is one of the culprits behind weight gain. So take charge of your emotions! Reduce the stress in your life as much as possible and find healthier alternatives for managing stress such as writing in a journal, walking, talking to a friend or getting a massage.
* Get your ZZZs. Believe it or not, sleep and weight have a known link. When you don't get enough sleep hormones called ghrelin and leptin can get out of balance which leads your feelings of hunger/satiety to also be out of balance. Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule and place an importance on your rest. After all -- you won't get much of it after you have a baby!
* Move that pre-pregnancy body. Exercise will help you burn calories and will help tone your body.