Overweight & Pregnant ... does this mean I can’t give birth naturally ?

[Babygray2020]

So I’m due to give birth in 14 weeks, and I’ve herd some people say overweight women are more likely to have a c-section, is this true. A c-section doesn’t bother me but the injections some people have to take after do. I have a phobia of needles, and can’t bare the thought of injecting myself. I’m hoping to have a natural birth if I can. I don’t see why some extra weight determines how you give birth ? I’m just shocked.
Thanks again

How overweight are you? Whats your BMI?

Also are you physically well, mobile etc?

I remember seeing a similiar article but itsn't it more for people who are high high BMI and who physically don't have the ability to get through birth? X

Has your midwife said anything to you about not being able to give birth, because if not then I wouldn't worry to much. As long as you are fit and mobile then there aren't really any reasons why you can't try (baring medical need and illness)

My BMI is actually 41. Because of a thyroid. Although I’m physically well, and mobile x

At your size you should be consultant led in your pregnancy - when is your next consultant appointment? Can you talk about your options then?

Not until April . That’s when he’ll decide if a c section is needed

I was 16 stone for both births and had 2 vaginal births

That’s good to know thank you. Was just a worry that’s all .

Increased risk means increased risk, rather than guarantee. Many women with pregnancies classed as low risk end up having c-sections, more women with the risk factors you have end up having c-sections. It’s by no means guaranteed, and there are only so many things in the course of pregnancy and leading up to the birth that you can control. You might be able to improve your chances of vaginal delivery by various means but nothing is guaranteed either way.

There is a parenting science group that has looked into this question - Google "big Bertha's" for loads of info on the topic. The main summary is some complications are more likely, but many pregnant women with higher BMI have healthy pregnancies and uncomplicated deliveries. Focusing on health and mobility during your pregnancy is also shown to reduce complications - e.g. pre eclampsia and gestational diabetes are both more common in women with a higher BMI at booking in, but are also associated with weight gain and exercise during pregnancy. I have a BMI around 35 and have had two completely healthy pregnancies and deliveries- good luck!

I had a BMI of 44 and also have a massive needle phobia. Sadly my DD was back to back and ended up getting stuck so I did have to have the EMCS however it was no where as bad as I thought. She was an enormous baby though at 10lb4 which didn't help matters.

The week of injections afterwards were not fun but I got my husband to do it for me and actually recovered very well.

It is an increased risk for us but it is not a certainty.

I had a similar BMI and gave birth without c section both times. Obviously this is just anecdotal but I think unless you have other issues there isn't a reason you would need a c section just because of your weight.

It’s just statistics!

I was fairly young, was comfortably in the heathy weight when I got pregnant, gained the perfect amount of weight, had perfect blood pressure, perfect tests throughout, felt completely well the whole time, was incredibly active right up to the day I went into labour. If you were going to point to someone who would have an easy labour then it would be me.

But I still needed a c-section in the end as dd was back to back and got completely stuck.

The two women in our NCT group who had had serious problems in their pregnancies and were under consultant care had vaginal births.

Just the luck of the draw!

Try and stay as active and fit as you can and eat healthily. There isn’t anything else you can do.

I had a high bmi, consultant-led and was induced but gave birth without any other interventions. However i still had to do injections at home for 10 days after giving birth. It was in to my tummy and with the clicky syringes with a button on top rather than anything too terrifying looking. Do discuss your worries with your midwife/consultant as a natural birth might not guarantee what you need afterwards.

I was (still am!) overweight having my 3 dc and they were all vaginal births, including a back to back almost 10 pounder and an induction at 36+6.

Was never told I was high risk for CS. They did tell me it might make an epidural harder to place but in the end I didn't have one.

I had a natural birth and still required self injections afterwards.