Homebirth with high BMI

[gingerbaby]

I have a BMI of 29 (it was 22 before DS but didn't lose the baby weight) and was wondering whether I'd be refused a homebirth because of this?
I can't find any info on it.

Thank you!

You cannot be refused a home birth for any reason.

Your health care providers may recommend against it but, unless you are mentally incompetent and they have a court order, they cannot dictate where or how you give birth to your DC.

That said, there are risks that are increased by having a higher BMI. IIRC these include high blood pressure and gestational diabetes and, possibly, shoulder dystocia (more likely in the presence of GD). I would ask a lot of questions as to how much the risks are increased for me, what the potential consequences of those risks are and how things would be handled differently at hospital as opposed to at home.

This site is an excellent starting point for info regarding homebirth

Thank you!

It sounds silly as I'm not even pregnant yet!! But my weight is a big reason for me not to start TTC yet, as I really want a home birth this time (various reasons) and it's probably best for me anyway to lose it.

That's motivation!

I had a BMI of over 30 before I even got pregnant with my second, and I told the truth on the booking in forms re my weight. It was never mentioned once during my entire care, and nor was it suggested that I take a GTT either (I would have refused anyway). So you may find it isn't an issue, but if it is mentioned to you then the link in Tangle's post is an excellent one to help you decide what level of care you would be happy with, and what rights you might want to exercise and how best to go about that. My second hb was again a fantastic experience (though not without its dramas as you'll see if you search my name) and baby and I were both fine.

I must say though that my first pregnancy, just two years earlier, when my bmi was 24 was much easier on me healthwise, in terms of my ability to cope during the last few months. I think you are very wise to consider getting into the best shape for you in advance. For most people one bmi point amounts to about half a stone, so I was two and a half stone heavier second time round, which is basically another pregnancy. So think of how different your body felt, how your bones ached, the pressure you were putting through your spine and hips, how out of breath you were, at the end of your first pregnancy; and then imagine putting the same amount on again, doubling those effects. If a third were on the cards I'd definately set myself a weightloss target before ttc-ing again. Definately.

The usual point at which they think a BMI could lead to issues is 35 or above. So a BMI of 29 should be absolutely fine.

29 is overweight, but it isn't a very high BMI so you can't have that much weight to lose. if you aren't pregnant yet, you could try upping the exercise and cutting the calories for the next month or two. I bet you could easily get down to 25 in a couple of months. This would make for a healthier pregnancy generally, not just for a home birth. good luck!

I had a BMI of 30 with last pregnancy and although it was considered a high risk factor and I had a GTT they were quite happy to allow me a home birth (DD had other ideas but that's a long story). I also think that 30 was the cut off and anything below that was not even a minor problem.

I had a homebirth last year with a BMI of 37! and am planning another in sept with the same BMI I am having a GTT but i have never had a problem before so i can't see it being this time. xx