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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Plus size pregnancy worries

32 replies

B0bby22 · 14/02/2024 18:43

Hi, I found out a few days ago that I am finally pregnant and I'm 4 weeks along. I am so excited and so happy, but I'm also really scared because I'm so overweight.

My BMI is 40 (5'9 and 19 stone 7lbs - size 18-20 UK) and I'm really worried that at the booking appointment I'm going to be judged and told off for my weight. I've been trying to lose weight for months but I have PCOS so it's been really difficult for me.

I'm also really worried that they won't be able to see the baby clearly at any of the scans due to the fat around my belly getting in the way. Or that my labour and delivery is going to be even more difficult because of my weight.

Has anyone been a similar size during pregnancy and able to share their experience with me?

Thank you

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Olika · 14/02/2024 20:39

@Sara1988 at booking appointment, the midwife sent request for my GP and then I picked them up a few days later.

Dyra · 14/02/2024 20:42

As soon as I was prescribed them tbh. Don't think I got them until about week 10. Having taken folic acid pre-pregnancy for 3 months means you'll already have decent reserves to supply baby with, so don't worry. Contact your GP or midwife tomorrow to get the ball rolling.

Sara1988 · 14/02/2024 20:44

@Dyra @Olika OK thanks both. That's reassuring as was worried I should have started before ttc! Not had booking appointment yet.

lostwithoutpronouns · 14/02/2024 20:48

There were comments on my scan reports that the view was obscured by me being overweight (I can't remember exact phrasing) and I was much slimmer back then, a size 14. So if you do have any comments like that, don't be bothered by them! Even if you were several sizes smaller, you'd probably still get them.

Enjoy your pregnancy! My advice would be to think about eating for optimal nutrition and gaining fitness - if you feel well enough - rather than focusing on weight. Much more positive and better for you and baby.

Original poster

B0bby22 · 14/02/2024 21:22

itsmylifeitsnowor · 14/02/2024 20:22

The only time I ever felt judged was the second scan when the sonographer asked me to lay on my side and move around and still couldn't get measurements and implied it was because of my size

A midwife never made any comment at any point.

Other than gestational diabetes I had an other healthy pregnancy, due to the diabetes I didn't really put any weight on so that was probably a good thing.

Thank you x

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Original poster

B0bby22 · 14/02/2024 21:23

Dyra · 14/02/2024 20:04

Congratulations! I started out both my pregnancies with a BMI in the high 30s.

At no point was I judged and certainly not told off for my weight. There are raised risks (i.e. gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia) due to a higher BMI that you will be made aware of, but it is far from certain you will get them. You'll be advised to take the higher dose of folic acid, and possibly aspirin too. A GTT to rule out gestational diabetes will also be suggested. You'll probably be referred to a consultant, but if your pregnancy remains healthy, you could be referred back to the midwives.

Scans were slightly fuzzy due to my BMI, but sonographers are a skilled bunch, and still managed to get measurements. When the baby cooperated ofc!

Thank you! X

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Original poster

B0bby22 · 14/02/2024 21:24

lostwithoutpronouns · 14/02/2024 20:48

Thank you! I've started eating healthier and have been looking at ways to get more fit :)

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