Why Weight Matters For IVF

If you’re trying IVF to get pregnant, what you eat matters. There are lifestyle changes that can boost fertility, and this applies to IVF. Weight management, including having a healthy weight, can interfere with fertility, and can hurt your chances of starting IVF to begin with!

If your BMI is considered too high or too low, you won’t be eligible for IVF! And this applies to both women and men. Check out Morgan’s story about how he reached a healthy BMI in order to begin IVF with his wife. 

Most fertility treatment providers require patients to have a body mass index of within a range of 19-30 because being overweight can have varying complications for your fertility. 

Here’s why doctor’s take your BMI into account before starting IVF:

• Enhanced Fertility: The main reason a healthy BMI is required for IVF is because it will increase chances of conception. If your BMI is too high or too low, you might experience hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation. 

• Better Ovarian Response: Women with a healthy BMI tend to respond better to ovarian stimulation during IVF, meaning they’re more likely to produce a good amount of high-quality eggs!

• Reduced Risk Of Complications: Having a healthy BMI reduces the risks of pregnancy-related complications like gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension. 

• Lower Miscarriage Rates: Women with a healthy BMI experience lower miscarriage rates when compared to those who are overweight or underweight. 

A healthy, balanced diet paired with regular physical activity is crucial in reaching a healthy BMI and for overall weight maintenance. There are however specific foods to eat and some to avoid when you’re going through the process of IVF.

• Eat More Protein: Eat lean proteins, like fish and poultry, and legumes.

• Avoid Refined Carbs: Limit your intake of white bread, white rice and baked goods.

• Eat Fruits & Veggies: Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables! If you struggle to get your five servings of veggies a day, be sure to check out our Chocolate Super Greens to get your daily dose in a tasty way. 

• Avoid Salt: Limit your salt intake or even better, cut it out completely! Check out these healthy alternatives to salt for seasoning. 

• Eat Healthy Fats: Incorporate avocado, nuts and seeds, dark chocolate, and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna. 

The healthier you are, the more likely you’ll be able to conceive! A healthy BMI supports fertility in both men and women. Your doctor will always recommend getting to a healthy weight before trying IVF, so if you’re going down the path of IVF, make sure you’re focusing on a healthy lifestyle to support weight management.