Natalie Portman
With 2011 set to become the year of the Yummy Mummy the question to all health concious slim wannabe mums is can I concieve?
2011 is seeing something of a celebrity baby boom, as Victoria Beckham Natalie Portman, and Kate Hudson amongst others announce their pregnancies both in the UK and stateside. These women are all linked by one common factor: their enviably slim figures. Their picture perfect bumps and tiny frames are aspirational to many wannabe yummy mummies, but there has long been concerns about the effects of a low body weight on the ease of conception.
Victoria Beckham, Myleene Klass and Amanda Holden are just a few celebs who are set to welcome new additions, while the bumps of Hollywood stars Natalie Portman, Jennifer Connelly, Selma Blair and Kate Hudson have been gracing the red carpet.
But do thinner women really find it harder to conceive?
Health psychologist James Lamper is an expert in weight management and nutrition, and understands for some women who struggle to gain weight, planning a baby can be a stressful experience.
“Women who are naturally slim have been gifted that gene that allows them to keep their figure with little effort. While they may be the envy of others, it can be difficult for these women to put the weight on which would enhance fertility and the prospect on conception” explains James.
So what can they do to help? James has several suggestions to make conception easier.
“The body requires more energy to allow natural body mechanisms like menstruation to take place. This is why it is recommended to increase low GI carbs at this time to reduce PMS symptoms. The same theory can be applied to fertility. Increasing the amount of healthy low GI grains like lentils, buckwheat and quinoa together with wholemeal and dark breads and a colourful splash of fruit and vegetables will all help to give the body more energy to conceive.”
For slimmer women, it is particularly to pay attention to diet and lifestyle to aid fertility, as they are factors which can also affect ovulation. James advises that to create optimal nutrition, avoiding stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes will all help to produce the best environment for conception to take place.
For those who struggle to gain weight, James is keen to point out overeating is not the answer. “There is a difference between putting on a few pounds and overeating, so slowly increase your serving of carbohydrate by 1/4 at each meal and snack. Listen to your body and eat according to your physiological hunger” he advises.
Most of all, keep stress levels to a minimum, and try to stay as relaxed as possible.
“Research consistently links stress with infertility, and our hectic lifestyles means for women on the go, it can be difficult to ensure a healthy weight. Taking time for yourself, and relaxing is also beneficial to boosting chances of pregnancy” explains James.