Plus sized and/or older success stories

[Edk0]

My partner and I recently had a failed NHS cycle (4 mature eggs collected, none fertilised with ICSI).

We waited approximately 5 months to start whilst I lost 2 stone to start the cycle. My general health and reproductive health is good however I did resort to drastic measures to reduce my weight (meal replacement shakes/fat blockers/2 day fasting whilst taking supplements) and can't help feeling this may have more damage than good as BMI is not a good indicator of general health.

We're currently preparing ourselves for our second private round in Prague but I've gained a stone through stress eating and bloating from my previous round. I'm currently healthy eating and taking all the supplements under the sun in preparation for it but wanted to know if anyone has still fallen pregnant whilst being overweight and or older?

The message constantly drummed into me is you're fat and old so you may as well give up.

I just get so fed up with it as I know its also about your individual heath and reproductively I'm fine.

[Hidden]

I’m 41 and naturally pregnant after losing 3 stone I did conceive 5 times between 37-39 (3mmc @12w 2chemicals) I was 14&1/2 stone down to 11&1/2 stone. I also did slimfast and calorie control I ate well tho. Not sure if weight loss helped as I was thinner when I had the 2 chemicals.

[Edk0 in reply to Hidden]

Yeah it's difficult to say whether weight is detrimental to a successful pregnancy. I've got a few months to lose a stone so we'll see.

[Hidden in reply to Edk0]

Well it’s better for you’re overall health aswel I suppose, good luck with your weight loss and next round of treatment x

[Edk0 in reply to Hidden]

Yes definitely, especially during pregnancy and being an older mum. Thank you xx

[Hidden]

I don’t have any stats and I’m no expert but I just wanted to say we all beat ourselves up about weight, diet, supplements, alcohol etc but at the same time every year millions of women get pregnant both underweight, overweight, alcoholics, drug users etc etc. This whole process is so difficult I think mental health is as valuable as waist size and I think you should take time to think positive, don’t beat yourself up and focus on getting your bfp which I really hope you do xx

[Edk0 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I really appreciate that. I'm just going to concentrate on getting healthier for my next round as going to drastic measures may do more harm than good.

[Fingerscrossed38]

We'll done on losing and keeping off a stone. Yes not easy. I tried many times to lose weight before starting ivf but in the end I just but the bullet and did it. I was 37 BMI when I had my daughter last August. My BMI is now 3 and currently 7 weeks. I had an amazing pregnancy and natural birth do it can be done. The end was hard carrying the extra weight and getting out of breath so easily but I lost all but 2kg pretty much immediately after birth. Obviously if you can bring it down a bit it'll be better but if is stressing you out and actually causing you to eat more. Don't stress! Forget the weight, how for a few more strolls, drink a bit of excess water, take your supplements and eat what you like. You only need to change a few things. You've got this xx

P.s I turned 40 a few days after baby was born and will be 41 with this one so "old" too

[Edk0 in reply to Fingerscrossed38]

Thanks for sharing, sometimes it fells like everything is against me with the weight and my age but thanks for letting me know its possible even with IVF. I've definalty changed my mindset going in to this round and decided to be kinder to myself (I was convinced my unsuccessful round was due to my weight) and not to stress which we all know is detrimental when trying for a baby not to add the bloody pandemic and work (I work in public health and its been unbelievable busy). Did you have treatment here or abroad?

[Fingerscrossed38 in reply to Edk0]

Yep be kinder to yourself, don't stress over it. I did treatment here privately both times at an amazing clinic. P M me if your want to know the name. Best of luck 🍀