Preconception BMI & Fertility: Risks & Miscarriage
- Rotterdam, Netherlands - A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals a meaningful link between the body mass index (BMI) of both men and women prior to...
- What: Study links preconception BMI in both men and women to time to pregnancy and miscarriage risk.
- The study, involving couples in Rotterdam attempting to conceive, found that BMIs outside the normal range (18.5-24.9) were associated with longer times to pregnancy and increased risk of...
Preconception BMI in Both Partners Linked to Fertility Struggles & Miscarriage Risk: New Study
Rotterdam, Netherlands – A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals a meaningful link between the body mass index (BMI) of both men and women prior to conception and the likelihood of experiencing difficulty conceiving and miscarriage.The research underscores the importance of addressing BMI in both partners before attempting pregnancy, challenging previous focuses primarily on maternal BMI.
The study, involving couples in Rotterdam attempting to conceive, found that BMIs outside the normal range (18.5-24.9) were associated with longer times to pregnancy and increased risk of miscarriage, irrespective of whether the higher or lower BMI belonged to the woman, the man, or both. This challenges the conventional focus on maternal BMI as the primary factor influencing fertility outcomes.
Study Details & Findings
Researchers analyzed data from couples aged 18 and older attempting to conceive between 2017 and 2021. Participants provided height and weight measurements, allowing for BMI calculation. Data on time to pregnancy,mode of conception (natural vs. assisted reproductive technology), and miscarriage rates were collected through questionnaires and medical records.
Here’s a breakdown of the BMI categories used in the study:
| BMI Category | BMI Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Normal weight | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| overweight | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obese | ≥ 30 |
Key findings included:
* Time to Pregnancy: couples where either partner had a BMI outside the normal range experienced a longer time to pregnancy compared to couples where both partners had a normal BMI.
* Miscarriage risk: Higher BMIs in either partner were associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.
* Fecundability: The odds of conception within a 28-day cycle were lower for couples with BMIs outside the normal range.
* Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): While ART use was reported, the study found BMI still impacted outcomes even with ART intervention.
“This study is a crucial reminder that fertility is a shared obligation. for too long, the focus has been almost exclusively on the woman’s health. The data clearly demonstrate that a man’s BMI significantly impacts a couple’s ability to conceive and maintain a pregnancy. the biological mechanisms are likely multifaceted, including hormonal imbalances, sperm quality in men, and egg quality in women, all of which can be affected by BMI. This research should prompt a shift in preconception counseling to include both partners and emphasize the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for both.”
– drjenniferchen
Implications for couples Planning a Family
The study’s findings have significant implications for couples planning a family. Preconception counseling should now routinely include BMI assessment and lifestyle recommendations for both partners.
Recommendations:
* Preconception Check-ups: couples should schedule preconception check-ups with their healthcare providers.
* BMI Assessment: Both partners should have their BMI assessed.
* Lifestyle Modifications: If either partner has a BMI outside the normal range, lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise should be implemented.
* Early Intervention: Addressing BMI concerns before conception can significantly improve fertility outcomes and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
The researchers emphasize the need for further examination into the underlying mechanisms linking BMI to fertility and miscarriage, as well as the development of targeted interventions to optimize BMI in both men and women prior to conception.
1 van der Boog,P., et al. (2023). Association of Body Mass Index in Women and Men With Time to Pregnancy