Overweight

[Bec1302]

Well I have just done 2 tests and both positive. I am both thrilled and terrified. I came off the pill in May and we didn't think it would happen so quickly! Ideally I wanted to lose weight before getting pregnant. Im currently 20stone, so now freaking out. Im guessing i will have a harder pregnancy because of this. I already have back pain because of my weight, so i cant imagine how bad it will get now.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Congratulations!
If your BMI is over 30 you will be considered a higher risk for certain things like gestational diabetes, but being overweight doesn't automatically mean you will encounter difficulties.
I was like you, intended to lose weight but got pregnant much quicker than I expected. I did my best to eat well during pregnancy and tried not to put on too much weight.

Have healthy food and try to keep yourself active in order to avoid putting on too much weight during the pregnancy, trust me you will be find and can get back in shape once you have the baby.

My BMI is over 30 and the only differences from a normal low risk pregnancy so far have been that I had an additional appointment with a midwife at the hospital to talk about diet and exercise and for them to explain the additional risks. If BMI goes above 35 I can't give birth in the midwife led unit, I have to go to the hospital delivery suite. And I have the gestational diabetes test at 24 weeks, although I think they would have got me for this anyway due to family history.

If your BMI is 40+ I believe you may transfer to consultant led rather than midwife led care.

There are risks but there are also things you can do to mitigate those risks, which should all be explained to you.

Congratulations

Oh, and my pregnancy has been really easy so far, so it's not a given it'll be difficult due to weight. I haven't had any back problems, maybe because my body is already used to lugging a big stomach around.

Congrats on the bfp!

I don't know if it helps, but Slimming World is the only weight loss plan endorsed by the Royal College of Midwives - and you may be able to get a referral from your GP which would mean the first 12 weeks free...it's totally safe and all just about developing healthy eating habits, with concessions (eg extra milk and cheese) for pregnant women...feel free to PM if you want more info, it's how I lost almost 6 stone last year

Thankyou so much for all your replies.
I think one of my biggest concerns is the judgement from others. My GP is quite old fashioned so i expect she will say i should have lost weight first.
Im also very aware i will just look fatter rather than pregnant.
Im excited but very anxious too.

Oh I feel like I'm going to a weight watchers meeting whenever I see my midwife! I get it all... sarcastic comments no eating for 2 and so on. She made me fear my scans! Said my weight would mean they will struggle to scan me... well I hardly carry my weight on my stomach it's mostly all glued to my thighs and butt. Absolutely fine so don't let them worry you too much. Scans have been brilliant so far got my 20 week scan Thursday.
Some can be awful about it some can be fine if you aren't within a certain weight range.
All I will say is don't let people get to you and just eat a balanced diet and go for a short walk or whatever works for you. Although I'm starting to struggle with weeing every 10 mins whilst I'm out with the dog
Focus on doing what's best for you and baby don't get too worked up and once the baby's out you can focus on diet / exercise alot more to keep up with baby. Luckily mines due Christmas so I can jump on the new year weight loss band wagon after I treat myself to some whisky

I was in the same boat, don't worry! My midwife was so lovely. She didn't make me feel bad just said oh you'll be consultant let and have extra growth scans (they say your more likely to have a bigger baby if you're on the larger side) my baby however was right on track and was a healthy 7lb 14. I didn't get diabetes throughout my pregnancy and only put on just over a stone. The extra scans were also nice. I've heard of very few midwives being judgemental, at the end of the day you can't change your weight now so why give you a lecture on it. I'm a true believer if your body can handle a pregnancy it will happen 😊