Underweight and TTC

I am underweight. Is it going to be very difficult to TTC when I'm ready. Should I start adding weight now in preparation for trying to have children in the future?
TIA

Re: Underweight and TTC

I am probably underweight for my height however I asked my doc and he said not to worry. He said as long as you eat when you are hungry and are not dieting then dont worry. I have always been a petite person.

Re: Underweight and TTC

I think underweight and overweight women ironically share similar fertility issues. I would ask your OB to suggest a nutritionist. I would certainly also go on prenatal vitamins as well. I think its great that you ask this question.

Re: Underweight and TTC

I'm just scared that years of dancing and my fast metabolism have caused some damage. I hope I can reverse it if I can and that the damage is not done. I haven't been able to tell my FH about it b/c I don't think he would understand, so if I can do something about it now, I might as well. Thanks for your help. I will find a nutritionist, sounds like a great idea.

Re: Underweight and TTC

Re: Underweight and TTC

Re: Underweight and TTC

My husband says the way he gained weight was to eat a PB&J after lunch and dinner and have a malt shake every night. He worked out like a madman and put on 50lbs for football. That might be too much food though. The whole milk idea sounded like a good start, but an extra meal might help too.

Re: Underweight and TTC

When I was very underweight my nutritionist told me to drink whole milk and eat regular cheese as well.
Also to do little things like put an extra slice of meat on my sandwiches etc.
It took time but I was able to gain.
I also ate some of the higher calorie nutrition bars in between meals- like MetRX bars.

nm

x

Message edited 8/23/2006 3:40:55 PM.

Re: Underweight and TTC

Message edited 8/23/2006 8:16:54 PM.

Re: Underweight and TTC

if you're not menustrating, it is going to be very hard to conceive, since you are probably not ovulating.

what does your Ob/gyn say?? I would talk to him/her and see what they suggest.

Re: Underweight and TTC

At the time I was so underweight that I did not get my first period until I was almost 17 years old. Since then it has been very irregular. I am at a healthy weight now (still thin but no severly underweight).
At the time the doctors told me it would be very hard to get pregnant in the future with such a low body fat percentage- since fat cells store estrogen.
I would say to consult your doctor to find out how much you would have to gain in order to conceive. I'm sure it varies for everyone and everyone has a different weight that is considred healthy for them.
Good luck!

Re: Underweight and TTC

Thanks ladies. I made an appt. with my gyno for next month to see what he says. I appreciate all your help.

Tina