It seems that it should be such a simple task to get pregnant. We do the deed, and poof! A baby nine months later. What some of us don't realize is there are many factors that could prolong this event.

Momlogic's Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz: As we all know, being overweight and obesity increases mortality and the occurrence of many chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and syndrome X; obesity appears to also decrease fertility. Though it's not completely well understood, it's probably by altering metabolic and hormonal factors required for ovulation.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often are overweight and have a type of insulin abnormality. We know that these women have decreased fertility, and probably not only because they do not ovulate regularly. These women also have higher rates of miscarriage, which may be diminished if they are treated with an oral diabetic agent called Metformin.

Women with obesity and who are overweight are statistically more likely to have pregnancy complications such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, dysfunctional labors leading to C-section, or complicated C-sections. All the more reason to be at your optimal level of fitness as you approach conception. Recall that being underweight interestingly causes some similar issues in terms of ovulation and reduced fertility -- so Skinny Minny does not equal Fertile Myrtle either.

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Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz completed her undergraduate education at Wesleyan University and post-baccalaureate pre-med studies at Mills College. She earned her medical degree from the USC School of Medicine and has been in private practice for 9 years. She is the co-founder of Cedar Sinai Medical Center's Green Committee and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children.