Can I Have a Healthy Pregnancy if I'm Overweight?

Are you dreaming of starting or growing your family but worried about the impact of your weight? Your concerns are valid; carrying extra weight can affect both your ability to conceive and the health of your pregnancy. But there’s good news. A healthy pregnancy is entirely possible with the right care and lifestyle adjustments.

The North Atlantic OB/GYN team, serving patients in Alpharetta, Marietta, and Atlanta, Georgia, is ready to guide you with compassionate, expert OB/GYN care. 

Here’s what you need to know if you’re worried about your weight and its effects on your pregnancy.

How do I know if I’m overweight?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is often the go-to tool when understanding weight. BMI estimates body fat based on your height and weight:

• 18.5–24.9: Healthy weight
• 25–29.9: Overweight
• 30 or higher: Obese

While BMI isn’t perfect (especially for bodybuilders and athletes), it’s a helpful starting point for most people. If you fall into the overweight or obese range, it’s worth discussing what this means for your pregnancy journey.

How does excess weight impact pregnancy?

Being overweight can increase your risk of pregnancy complications, such as:

• Gestational diabetes, which can lead to long-term diabetes risk for both you and your child
• High blood pressure (preeclampsia), which may require closer monitoring and possible early delivery
• C-section delivery, which means a surgical birth
• Neural tube defects, which refer to issues with your baby’s brain or spine development
• Macrosomia, which is a larger-than-average baby that can make delivery complicated

That said, many women with higher BMIs go on to have normal, healthy pregnancies. We can help you get the proactive care you need and support healthy habits to help you during your pregnancy.

Should I lose weight before pregnancy?

If you’re just thinking about conceiving, losing weight now can help. Dropping even 5–10% of your body weight before trying to conceive can make a world of difference. 

Excess weight can throw off insulin and androgen levels, disrupting ovulation. Weight loss can help restore regular cycles.

You also improve the quality of your eggs; chronic inflammation from excess fat can affect your eggs and uterine environment.

Losing weight eases symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of infertility that is linked to weight. Shedding pounds can improve your chances of conception even if you have PCOS.

Even small changes can lead to big wins for your fertility and pregnancy health.

How can I support a healthy pregnancy with excess weight?

If you’re already pregnant, here are some critical steps to take: Schedule and attend all your regular prenatal visits. At these appointments, we’ll monitor your baby’s growth and look for potential complications, such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.

Ask us for personalized recommendations on nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet and regular movement help you stay healthy and on track. We’ll also empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about weight gain, diet, and activity levels.

With the right support, you can focus on what matters most — preparing for your baby’s arrival.

Whether you’re planning to conceive or are already pregnant, we’re here to help you. Contact our North Atlantic OB/GYN team to learn how to set up an appointment.