Obesity complications?

[MumToBe2015R]

Before I got pregnant I was 93.4kg and right now I am 96kg.

Me & hubby have just read a article about obesity during pregnancy & complications. I was told 1 week ago that I have gestational diabetes, since then I've been monitoring it & watch what I eat & already it's controlled. Most the time my sugar levels are less than 5. I have had 2 results which were about 5.5.

We've read the outcome of Obesity could lead to abnormalities or even stillborn. This has really worried me.

Can you tell me of your experience if you were obese?

Would love to hear from you.

Thank u x

My BMI on booking in was 37.8 - I'm now 34+2 with no complications so far. I'm consultant led due to high BMI and pre-existing hypertension and kidney disease. The only difference in care I've had is GTT at 24 weeks (normal result) and extra growth scans at 28,32 & 36 weeks.

My blood pressure has started to rise in the last couple of weeks but they haven't seemed too concerned about it. I've had my routine medication increased this week at my insistence, more because I'm worried about the long-term effect on my kidneys, rather than the effect on pregnancy/the baby.

In terms of labour I know it will mean no water birth or anything like that as I'll need to be continuously monitored which means being in a chair or in bed It's not what I would've liked but I'm high risk for additional reasons to BMI and depending on your hospital a high BMI doesn't necessarily preclude a water birth or similar if that's your preferred choice.

Hope that helps and that you have a happy and healthy pregnancy! x

I was similar (I think - I have blocked out the exact numbers although I haven't lost loads of weight since then).

I had gestational diabetes in my first pregnancy and wanted a homebirth. My specialist midwife told me that if I kept the sugars under control she would be happy with that.

In the end I was induced anyway but to be honest being obese didn't seem to make much difference to that experience. I don't see why it would mean you had to have continuous monitoring etc (and if this is suggested I would refuse unless a very good medical reason is given).

If you are being careful with your sugars and eating healthily and exercising (as much as recommended by your midwife) then you really are doing everything you can do about it at this stage. There is no point worrying or beating yourself up about it. I found that, although there was some concern about my weight it was really not treated as something especially unusual and I actually lost weight during pregnancy anyway, because of the low GI diet I was following.

The MOST important thing is that you relax and enjoy your pregnancy once you are satisfied that you're doing everything you can now to prepare for a healthy pregnancy and birth. No point whatsoever in worrying about what you have/haven't done up to this point.

Good luck - and congratulations!

My bmi was 43 at my booking in appointment and I was consultant led as high risk. I found out I was having twins at my 13 week scan and I think this freaked the doctors out even more.

I had a gtt at 24 weeks, normal results. My blood pressure was never high and it was monitored weekly from 20 weeks. At my 34 week consultant appointment my consultant said I was having an exemplary pregnancy. I delivered 2 healthy strong babies and my emcs and recovery went really well.

2.5 years later I am nearly 7 stone lighter.

My BMI was 41 or 42 last time (can't remember which) and 39 this time after some weight loss. I had consultant led care - I met a registrar once and that was it. No gestational diabetes, no high blood pressure. Had an extra growth scan because (and I quote verbatim) 'you are fat so there's a good chance you'll have a large baby'. He was born at 37 weeks and apart from waters going and then not progressing, leading to an induction, it was a normal vaginal birth. He was 6lbs 8oz, so not the monster I was promised

I put on 2 stone in that pregnancy and lost it all within two weeks of birth. I've gone on to lose more than three stone since then but I am still very overweight and now over 40 so will still be consultant led. I don't expect to have any complications.

My starting bmi was 36 this pregnancy. I am consultant led but not just because of bmi (previous pre term birth)

No real difference, gtt at 24 weeks which was normal. Growth scans, despite them being convinced I would have some kind of hulk sized baby, have been normal. No blood pressure problems or anything so far.

If you feel you are being forced into lots of monitoring during labour then speak up. My consultant knows that although I'm not against the idea of an epidural I will NOT be having one sited immediately just incase I need a c section etc. Ultimately I am the person giving birth to this baby, not them so unless there is a clear medical need then I will be in charge as much as possible of my own body.

You will hear a lot of worrying information but please keep in mind these are MAYBES not certainties. My consultant seemed almost disappointed that I didn't have diabetes he had been so convinced

My first appointment at 16 weeks frightened me and made me feel awful. Now I just smile and nod. Remember, much bigger women than you have given birth successfully just as much 'healthier' women have problems ( I was a size 8 when I had my prem baby just to clarify)

Please enjoy your pregnancy and try not to worry

Thank you zebra & plantsitter

Congratulations to both of you x

Thank you lovely ladies, you don't understand how much my mind is at piece after your comments. Glad all went well with you all. Xxx