Overweight and pregnant

[Mcphail17]

Me and my husband found out over the weekend I was pregnant this is a huge shock as I am 20st9lb and BMI 49. I am actually fairly fit and have been losing. Weight through SlimmingWorld but this was not the plan yet I wanted to be healthier I'm so scared. I went for bloods this morning as they may want to do an early scan due to some heavy cramping. I feel as though from the second I walked it I was being judged. Am I going to be perceived as a bad person? I can't even tell my mum because she is going to go mad

No one should judge you because of your weight Your weight is not a reflection on you as a person or what sort of a mother you will be so please don't let that thought get into your head!
You've made a start with going to slimming world and as far as I know, it's safe to continue with that programme throughout pregnancy so you don't have to stop

When you see your GP/midwife or whoever, expect that they will have some suggestions for you and your weight will be noted in your maternity notes. They may want to monitor you more closely, they may not but that would be a good thing to ask when you go for your booking in appointment.

I'm assuming the baby was unplanned? Just remember that a baby is a blessing whenever it arrives (something I was told when we first got married) Why will you mum go mad? Does she not want to be a grandmother or is it health concerns that she'll be thinking about?

I hope all goes well with your bloods!

First off, congratulations!

You have already taken the right steps to get yourself healthy by following slimming world. This can still be followed during pregnancy and you might find you still loose weight (healthily) whilst pregnant if you continue slimming world, I know a few people who have. Talk to your slimming world consultant and they can let you know the do's and dont's during pregnancy.

I had a BMI of 34 when I first found out I was pregnant, like you I was dieting and going to the gym, I had started to lose weight and feel good and then I found out I was pregnant. I thought I was going to have a lot of weight related issues but thankfully I have had a healthy pregnancy so far and am 4 weeks away from giving birth. I have only put on about 2 stone which im really pleased with as my previous pregnancy I gained 4 stone!

Just because your overweight doesn't mean you WILL have problems it just means your more likely to compared to someone who is a healthy weight.

Take all the advice your midwife will give you, she isn't there to judge.

You will probably have to see a consultant at your local hospital as well as attend your midwife appointments at your local GP. I think if you have a BMI of over 30 or 35 this is the norm. The consultant will asses your situation and give you the best advice possible.

It was unplanned at this time so we are happy but I'm just terrified something will happens to baby or me, mum is concerned about my health I think she wants me healthier and happier. Thank you for your kind words x

I'm overweight (BMI 37) and currently 21 weeks pregnant with no complications. I haven't been able to find ANYONE who has given the smallest crap about my weight. Seriously. I've taken it far more seriously and been way more harsh on myself than any medical professional. In fact, every time I've tried to bring it up, the midwife / GP / sonographer has told me not to worry about it. It's only impacted my pregnancy in a few ways:

1. My scans haven't been quite as clear, although the sonographers have insisted this is because of my anterior placenta even though I know that's not the only reason!
2. I am partly consultant-led so have 2 more scans than usual.
3. If my BMI goes over 40 I won't be able to give birth in the midwife-led unit - but given I want an epidural this doesn't really make a difference to me.

You can be healthy in your pregnancy - I lost over a stone in my first trimester and have only gained 3lbs of that back so far. I'm hoping to not go above my starting weight by the time I give birth.

Congratulations and good luck!

OP each of my 3 very healthy pregnancies were at a BMI of over 45. I had excellent care, was not judged, and was gently and politely nudged towards healthy eating etc. I am happy to call a spade a spade though and the BMI was treated as a factual issue by HCPs, but all kindly and professionally.

Congratulations, try and enjoy your pregnancy.