When I became pregnant with my second child, I was already 50 lbs. above my ideal weight from my first pregnancy. Upon sharing the news, I was quickly met with well-intentioned concern from friends:
- “Aren’t you worried about your weight? It could harm the baby.”
- “Did you know that overweight women are at a higher risk for gestational diabetes?”
- “Plus-size women often require more medical assistance during delivery.”
During that pregnancy, I felt an overwhelming sense of size-shaming. It seemed that merely being overweight made me a target for judgment regarding my baby’s safety.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has noted that women with obesity face increased risks for miscarriage, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension. They often recommend that plus-size women seek guidance on weight loss before pregnancy, limit weight gain during pregnancy, and work on shedding postpartum weight. With so many warnings about the dangers of being overweight during pregnancy, it’s no surprise that many plus-size expectant mothers are anxious about their health and the well-being of their babies.
However, it’s important to recognize that healthy pregnancies can indeed occur for plus-size women. Many plus-size mothers give birth to perfectly healthy babies. “Most plus-size women have normal pregnancies and healthy babies. The focus on maternal size can amplify risks and create unnecessary fear,” explained Dr. Lisa Rodriguez, an OB-GYN and clinical instructor at a prominent medical school, in an interview with Babycenter.
In fact, the prevalence of plus-size pregnancies may be more common than you think. According to reports, approximately half of women in the U.S. are overweight during their pregnancies. Unfortunately, many of these expectant mothers encounter negative attitudes from their healthcare providers.
“My advice for plus-size pregnant women facing biased medical advice is to advocate for yourself. Question your doctor’s recommendations, especially if you’ve done your own research. You know your body best, and if you feel your care is lacking due to weight bias, don’t hesitate to find a new doctor,” stated Dr. Michelle Lee, a maternal health expert.
While increased risks are associated with being overweight during pregnancy, there are ways to manage these concerns through better nutrition and light exercise. Interestingly, many plus-size women may even lose weight during their pregnancies, often due to healthier eating habits and morning sickness.
If you find yourself navigating a plus-size pregnancy, aim for low-sugar, high-protein snacks, stay hydrated, and engage in light aerobic activity. Most importantly, don’t let fears about your weight overshadow the joy of your pregnancy.
“The reality is, plus-size women are likely to have healthy pregnancies,” shared Lucy Green, a mother of two and co-author of Your Plus-Size Pregnancy. “While the odds may seem daunting, the truth is that you’re most likely to have a healthy pregnancy, a thriving baby, and a smooth delivery. It needn’t be a huge concern.”
Yes, plus-size pregnancies can come with challenges, like my experience with gestational diabetes during my second pregnancy. It was definitely frustrating, but manageable. I still welcomed a healthy baby boy weighing in at 11.1 lbs., who is now a vibrant 4-year-old. And, no, I haven’t shed the baby weight yet.
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In summary, although plus-size women may face some increased risks during pregnancy, it’s entirely possible to have a healthy and successful pregnancy. By prioritizing your health and advocating for yourself, you can navigate this journey with confidence.
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