Fertility or Pregnancy Issues & Obesity¹

When it comes to fertility and pregnancy issues, being overweight or obese can lead to:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Infertility
• Pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes
• Difficulties during labor and delivery
• High birth weight infants
• Increased risk of certain birth defects

If you are planning to become pregnant, you can take positive steps to minimize these risks, including:

• Working with your doctor and your obstetrician to take stock of your condition
• Managing your weight
• If you smoke, quitting
• Taking folic acid and other supplements, if appropriate
• Becoming more active

Reference
1. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General Web site, accessed September 13, 2011 at http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/calltoaction/fact_consequences.htm.