Post # 1
Member
528 posts
Busy bee
Hi ladies
For those of you who had a low body mass index (underweight) when TTC, how long did it take to get pregnant?
I have a history of eating disorders (although I have been okay for the past seven years), however, I have never been able to put on weight.
Ideally, I’d like to start TTC next year. I’ve been reading that being under my ideal healthy weight may be an issue. I have regular periods, but have read that hormone levels and ovulation may be affected.
Any advice / stories would be much appreciated. Obv I will be trying to eat more and put on weight in the mean time. Christmas should help 🙂
Thanks (worried bee).
Post # 3
Member
5147 posts
Bee Keeper
My BMI is 17.5, technically in the underweight category. It took me less than 3 months to get pregnant. (2nd month charting and using OPKs I got my BFP.)
I’m naturally thin, no history of eating disorders orders or anything. I don’t know if having eating disorders in the past can affect your fertility now.
Post # 4
Member
2195 posts
Buzzing bee
I am not sure what my BMI is, but I am 5’7″ and 110, never been able to put on weight. Started NTNT in July, and still trying.
Good luck!
Post # 5
Member
1765 posts
Buzzing bee
I’m interested to see the responses.. I’ve always been underweight and we’re thinking about TTC in the near future.
Post # 6
Member
1301 posts
Bumble bee
@pink_sherbert: I was underweight for years and went for very long periods of time with no AF. I am a healthy bmi now and have PCOS and I got pregnant quickly. My advice would be to start eating a pregnancy meal plan NOW. I followed a first trimester meal plan while I was TTC and it helped enourmeously. You will appreciate just how much good things your baby needs you to supply her/him with and will allow you to stockpile healthy nutrients before your BFP, because let’s face it, when the morning sickness hits it’s impossible to get all the nutrients you need.
Also, if you have any outstanding body issues please try and talk about them now. I noticed bloating before I got my BFP and its gotten out of control. I’m 8 weeks now and I feel enormous. If I didn’t have my DHs encouragement and support it would be easy to get very stressed about the changing body shape.
Please feel free to pm me any time if you feel like it.
Post # 7
Member
169 posts
Blushing bee
I’m not sure what my bmi is but I’m 5f 7in and 54kgs, so I’m technically underweight. We fell pregnant on our first try. As pp said, I’m naturally thin as is everyone in my family and I also have a regular cycle. I’m 7 months pregnant and have only gained 5kgs. good luck xxx
Post # 8
Member
4997 posts
Honey bee
I’ve wondered about this too. I’m 5’4″ and 106 pounds which is right on the cusp of being underweight and I have been a bit thinner in the past (like 7 years ago). I eat a lot, but I exercise a lot (run marathons) and I’m on the pill so I have no idea if my cycles are regular. I won’t be coming off the pill for at least a year, so I guess I’ll address it then.
Do you exercise? How many calories/day do you eat? I don’t think that just being underweight is an issue, but if you’re exercising too much or eating too little, that is an issue. I have a friend who is at the bottom of the healthy weight range, but she exercises a ton and restricts her food and she hasn’t gotten her period in like 8 months while TTC. I figure that when I’m really serious about it, I will cut way back on exercise and consult a doctor about what else I can do.
Post # 9
Member
228 posts
Helper bee
I’ve always been underweight as well – I think my BMI is around a 17. I did worry that it would affect my getting pregant, but I’ve always had regular periods, so not a great worry. It took us about 4 months and I’m due next month. 🙂
Post # 10
Member
2538 posts
Sugar bee
I don’t know my BMI, but I’m very fit and not underweight, but have zero body fat. It took me no time at all to get pregnant.
If you have regular periods, that’s a good start.
Post # 11
Member
528 posts
Busy bee
Thanks ladies – it’s really encouraging to hear your stories!
@staceya:
@gemma83:
BMI (Body Mass Index) is weight in kg devided by height in metres squared. Anything under 18.5 is considered to by underweight. So, for example, I weigh around 45kg and am 1.65m tall, so my BMI is around 45/(1.65*1.65)=16.9. There are loads of calculators on line where they can calculate it for you in imperial also.
@Sea_bass:
Congratulations on the pregnancy! And thank you for the advice on the eating plans. I’ll definitely look some up and start on a health kick. I also lost so much weight when I was younger that my periods stopped for a couple of years, and I get where you’re coming from in terms of dealing with changing body shape. I haven’t had any issues for years, although I do envisage finding the bump and weight gain difficult. However, the only thing that got me back on track when I was going for counselling years ago was the though I may never be able to have kids if I continued with what I was doing. Just keep focusing on the gorgeous little baby you’ll have in the not to distant future 🙂
@runnerbride13:
Thank you for the exercise advise. I’ve never really been a gym bunny (in fact I quit the last one because I only really liked going for a short swim and then hitting the sauna / steam room). Am thinking of taking up yoga again though. No idea how many calories I eat a day, though I have three regular meals (although breakfast is usually breakfast biscuits and a latte) and snack often (mainly on almonds, occasionally on chocolate). Am going to look into healthy first trimester eating plans though and start ASAP.
Post # 12
Member
2015 posts
Buzzing bee
my BMI was 18. took me 2 months trying and one month NTNT. I have a history of anorexia
Post # 13
Member
698 posts
Busy bee
I’m not in the same boat but I have a friend who is..
She has 2 kids that she concieved at a normal/ average weight. After her second she became an avid runner. She lost a TON of weight and is now super super thin. I don’t know her BMI or fat % but she doesn’t have hardly any breasts, or anything but muscle on her.. her youngest is 6 years old and she hasn’t been able to concieve since (they dont use BC). Shes spoken to her dr and he told her she needs to gain serious weight (close to 50 pounds) and she refuses.
Her dr told her that her body thinks shes in starvation mode and she likely wont concieve while her body is trying so hard to keep her going let alone try to make a baby.
It sounds like you’re in a much better position than my friend.. you’re aware of your body and sound like you’re willing to put on a little weight.. which my friend isn’t. Just take care of yourself and the rest will fall into place.. a healthy mommy makes a healthy baby! 🙂
Good luck and have fun TTC 😉
Post # 14
Member
620 posts
Busy bee
I have always been underweight but never had an eating disorder, just fast metabolism and naturally thin – I am now borderline as to a healthy BMI (18.5 exactly) and we just got a BFP on our first cycle off birth control. Hope a fast BFP also happens for you!