overweight and pg

[RobynLou]

hello,
I found out yesterday I'm pg. I have a nearly 3yo DD.
when I was pg with DD I had a BMI of 31, and no one seemed to have a problem with that. I was induced in an awful hospital, it was a terrible experience, though my birth was actually simple - the midwife commented I shouldn't bother coming into hospital next time as my body was obviously quite good at this birth lark!

problem is I now have a BMI of 38

I've always struggled with my weight and put off getting pg for a long while because I was trying to loose it, but had PND and just really struggled.

Is there any chance (everything else being well of course) they'll allow me to have a homebirth? Last time I was left to labour on a ward where the only privacy I had was the tiny space between my bed and the curtain, I finally got to the delivery suite for 20mins of pushing at the end. If I'd been at home everything would've been so much better.

They've recently opened a clinic on our high street that does ultraounds etc, so I have fantasies of just going there and never having to go to hospital at all.

Is this pie in the sky thinking????

Someone will be along soon to give you the links and proper advice but I do know this.

Every woman in the UK has a right to a homebirth - I believe it's the law. The first website you should look at is this one where you will find lots of helpful advice on homebirthing, your rights, the 'risks' (which I believe are no higher than birthing in hospital and possibly lower) and other really good advice. FWIW my BMI was recorded as 35 at the beginning of my current pg and I have had absolutely no 'weight issues'. They offered me a diabetes test which I declined as I felt it unnecessary and that they could pick this up with urine tests and I would notice symtoms myself. Personal choice which I am not recommending but hopefully just pointing out that weight doesn't have to be a massive issue. The best advice I can give though is to stand firm behind what you want and make sure you have the support of your partner and possibly a doula for nearer the time. Good luck

Ooh, also meant to say - with my first pg, I was far lower weight and put on over 2 stone. With this pregnancy, I have maintained weight for most of pg and infact only put on about half a stone over the last couple of weeks (I'm now at 42 weeks so baby should be here any day). I haven't dieted at all but with my not eating extra for the baby and with me probably eating slightly too much non pregnant it seems to balance out. I believe a lot of bigger women find their weight gain during pg to be low and some even lose weight so try not to fret.

try not to gret, it sounds like you might be able to have a homebirth as your first delivery was easy and safe with no complications. unless theres any complications with the pregnancy you should be able to have the homebirth you want.
are you still living in the same area as when you had the first?

as you have a high BMI for the pregnancy, you can afford to only gain a little bit of weight in the pregnancy, just make sure you eat properly, dont try to diet or loose weight, but maintaining your current weight is a reasonable thing to do given where you are right now. you never know, it might give you the boost you need, you have the time and drive to eat really well for this pregnnacy, and it could pave the way for a much healthier and happier relationship with food.

try not to worry, try to ensure you have a midwife you get on with, someone thats supports your decisions and wishes, and that goes a long way in pregnancy!

I can?t exactly asnwer your question, but I remember reading on other forums that they may insist that you go to hospital because of the weight. But if you refuse, what can they do? They won?t take you by force, will they? Another issue could be predicted baby weight. I was overweight with my first, wanted to use birth centre (water pool, etc), but I was directed to hospital ward because they suspected the baby will be big and I will need assistance. I did need it?
I am very impressed that you only put half of stone during all pregnancy!!!! I have BMI of 33.4, currently pregnant 15+4 and have not put any weight yet, praying to put not more than one stone? WELL DONE!

Toja thanks - but I didn't do it on purpose and I would hate for people to think I dieted. I didn't. I just ate the same things I ate before I was pg - always been a bit large on portions but with me growing a baby, I think it used up the extra calories thus stopping any weight gain! Eating normally is my best advice (unless you have a dreadful diet to begin with - mine has always been quite varied - just too much of it!)

Sorry for hijacking post OP

Hi I have a BMI of 33 and am 7+5 weeks pregnant (would be my first) and very worried about what midwife will say about my weight etc. I was dieting with weightwatchers before my BFP and had lost 7lbs but stopped when I found out I was pregnant, since then I have stayed the same. I just wanted to say thank you for starting this thread and to thank people for the responses, you've made me feel a bit happier.

When I first went to see my MW, the only difference with me that she referred me to glucose test which has to be done at some point later.
I am not dieting, but I am conscious of what I am eating, and I have cut out sweets (they always make my appetite rise enormously) and also trying not to eat after 7pm.
Fingers crossed, I don?t get ballooned!

~Good luck eveybody and keep in mind, those few extra pounds on you equate to extra stores for your growing babies to benefit from.

thankyou for all you support :-)
impressed and encouraged by those who haven't put on extra weight.

I really want some advice about homebirths and the chances of me getting one (thanks for that website madcatsazz) so I hope no one minds if I repost this with homebirth in the title?

Not at all - there are some really lovely knowledgable (sp?) people on here that should be able to give you some fab advice.