Referred to consultant for low BMI

[SickAndTiredAgain]

I’m about 8/9 weeks pregnant and had my initial midwife appointment last week. She said I’d have to be referred to a consultant because my BMI is low (it was 16.5 pre pregnancy, weight loss from morning sickness has brought it down to 15) and I might need an extra scan sometime after the 20 week one.

I didn’t have this when pregnant with my daughter, I think I must have been just over a limit that I’m now just under as I think I was a similar-ish pre-pregnancy weight, and also lost weight in the first trimester but overall gained about a stone and a half by the end.

I should have asked her, and I will at my next appointment, but does anyone know what this means? I think from what she said I’ll have one appointment with the consultant, probably over the phone, and one extra scan but if that scan is ok then that’s fine and the consultant will sign it off as ok and then I won’t need anything else. I got the impression that the only concern from low weight would be the baby growing, so once confirmed with an extra scan, there were no other problems? Is that right? DD was born on her due date at average weight so I didn’t have any problems with her.

I’m 38 weeks pregnant with my first child and was referred to the consultant for having a low BMI. I have had 4 extra scans and then consultant appointments afterwards to discuss the baby’s growth. Thankfully all is ok and the baby is growing nicely, I was worried at first but I have quite liked the extra scans and appointments for reassurance.

I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about and it’s good that they will be able to keep an eye on baby’s growth smile

They might screen you for an eating disorder. Would that trouble you? What if they advise you to eat more, is that doable for you?

@WindowsSmindows

They might screen you for an eating disorder. Would that trouble you? What if they advise you to eat more, is that doable for you?

No that wouldn’t trouble me. Eating more might, not due to body issues but I have severe emetophobia (fear of vomiting) which combined with morning sickness is what has dropped my weight now because I’m very anxious around getting sick. Eating more is something I’d struggle with a bit because I eat until I’m full but going beyond that makes me uncomfortable and triggers panic around feeling sick etc. Adding in some healthy snacks to help boost weight in a sensible way would probably be doable though. I’d struggle with increased portions.

@Pillowcase8 thanks. I’ve actually just had the first consultant appointment come through over email for around 20 weeks. Four extra scans is a lot, my midwife mentioned one but four would be nice to have that extra reassurance! I’m hoping that it’s a good sign the DD was fine weight-wise.