Weight in pregnancy - implications for c-section?

[Alva]

Had an odd conversation with "my" midwife today (never met her before, and have only been seen at the practice once before today, tho I'm over 6 months in).

I'm 5'8" and size 14-16 normally. Have been almost priding myself on not having gained much weight - largely down to chasing afer my toddler ds, but still! So I was surprised when the midwife made a thing about ensuring that I watch my diet and "don't put on any more weight". She didn't weigh me - they only seem to do taht at the hospital now - but managed to sound quite assertive about this, "especially as you're having a c-section".

Am probably feeling oversensitive about this, but it would be good to know if it really is vital to keep your weight right down if you're going to have to have a c-section, and why?

I don't plan to munch my way through the next few months, but on the other hand if I really have to keep a close eye on this I obviously will. Feeling a bit puzzled, and would welcome some views/experiences.

um, no help to offer here.. but I am 5'8.5 and this has urr got me setting me off thinking now (I am bigger than a 14-16) but have not been told anything about this... have put on some weight, not lots but can tell I am pregnant.. am 21 weeks.

Looking fwd to hearing other views/experiences too (I think.)

Weight problem is associated with women with BMI over 35 at booking (yours is unlikely to be that).

Very overweight women are more prone to wound infections due to the overhang that stops air getting to the wound when healing. It is also harder to get access to the baby if grossly overweight. Risk of blood clots increases too.

As I said, it does not sound as though you would be in that category.

Thanks Mears and Martha. Sounds like something to keep an eye on, but not stress about. Am sure she didn't mean to alarm me, but I am a bit jumpy atm!

Im a size 14-16 and hasnt put much weight on at all (Im 37 weeks) My midwife asked my weight and height at first booking in and worked out my BMI which was less than 35 so she said its fine. I have not been weigh at all the whole time. I think this midwife was being overly worried. I really wouldnt let it worry you,I had a c section last time and i wasnt much smaller than i am now. Its more important that your fit and well
Good Luck
Lisa

Thanks lisad - and good luck, too!