I’m currently expecting my third child, and like my previous pregnancies, this one has been quite uneventful. Sure, there are the usual discomforts—tiredness, nausea, and the occasional crankiness. And yes, I’m older than I was during my first pregnancy. I’ve even dealt with some pregnancy-related hemorrhoids. But overall, I’m feeling grateful that my pregnancies have been free from serious complications.
You might be wondering, “Why is she sharing this?” Well, here’s the thing: I’m plus-size and pregnant. This is my third experience navigating pregnancy in a larger body, and it’s not always a walk in the park. While the act of being pregnant is manageable for me, the reactions from others can be downright intrusive and hurtful.
People have a tendency to assume that a plus-size woman must be unhealthy, and this judgment can come from all sides—even before I was pregnant. Society has ingrained the idea that thinness equals health, and as a result, I find myself frequently defending my lifestyle despite being active and healthy. It’s exhausting, to say the least.
When I’m pregnant, these unsolicited judgments become even more painful. For 40 weeks, I dedicate myself to making healthy choices, not because I’m worried about my size but because I want to ensure the well-being of my baby. It’s incredibly disheartening when others imply that my body size endangers my child’s health.
The reality is that pregnancy is unpredictable for everyone. Complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes can affect anyone, regardless of size. It’s essential to remember that every pregnancy carries its own risks, and that being thin doesn’t make one immune to challenges.
I’ve even heard people express pity for my children due to my size, which is hurtful and entirely unfounded. My pregnancies, like anyone else’s, can be smooth sailing or riddled with challenges, and there’s no way to predict outcomes based solely on appearance.
Not only do I want to advocate for my own experience, but I also want to highlight the positive stories of many women who have successfully had healthy plus-size pregnancies. In fact, I once asked my social media followers to share their experiences, and I was overwhelmed by their positive feedback.
While I believe it’s important for healthcare providers to monitor potential risks associated with plus-size pregnancies, I also think it’s crucial for others to refrain from passing judgment unless they are qualified to do so. It’s simply not acceptable to assume that a plus-size woman is automatically unhealthy during pregnancy.
After a difficult first pregnancy experience with a midwife, I switched to a more understanding OB/GYN who sees beyond my size. With decades of experience, he treats my current pregnancy as any other healthy pregnancy, emphasizing that my body knows what it’s doing.
In the end, plus-size pregnancies are not the disasters people fear them to be. You can’t determine the health of a pregnancy just by looking at someone. It’s time to celebrate every body and allow all pregnant individuals to enjoy their journey without judgment.
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Summary
Pregnancy can be challenging for anyone, and it’s crucial to recognize that body size does not determine health. Plus-size pregnancies are often treated with undue skepticism, leading to harmful assumptions and judgments. It’s important to celebrate all pregnancies and support each other without prejudice.
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