Recent research published in JAMA Network Open shows that having a high body mass index (BMI) in both partners can make it harder to get pregnant and increase the risk of miscarriage. This study, conducted in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, highlights the importance of managing weight before trying to conceive.
Study Overview
The study followed 3,604 women and their partners from August 2017 to July 2021. Researchers measured their BMI before conception or early in pregnancy and looked at outcomes like:
- Fecundability: The chance of getting pregnant within one month.
- Subfertility: Taking more than 12 months to get pregnant or needing assisted reproductive technology.
- Miscarriage: Losing a pregnancy before 22 weeks.
Key Findings
The study found several important points:
- Lower Chances of Getting Pregnant: Every unit increase in BMI lowered the chances of getting pregnant: 0.98 for women and 0.99 for men.
- Impact on Women: Women who were overweight had lower chances of getting pregnant compared to those with normal weight, and those with obesity had even lower chances.
- Higher Risk of Subfertility: Being overweight or obese increased the chances of subfertility in women. Obesity in men also raised the risk.
Practical Takeaway
The researchers suggest that maintaining a healthy BMI before trying to conceive is important. They stated that being outside the normal BMI range can lead to lower chances of getting pregnant and a higher risk of miscarriage.
Limitations of the Study
While the findings are significant, there are some limitations. The results might not apply to everyone, as the study participants were generally younger and had higher BMIs. Also, relying on self-reported information about pregnancy timing could affect accuracy.
Conclusion
This research, led by Aline J. Boxem, MD, and Vincent W. V. Jaddoe, MD, PhD, emphasizes the need for couples to manage their weight when planning a family. Keeping a healthy BMI can improve the chances of successful pregnancies and reduce miscarriage risks.