Having gained weight after my first pregnancy, I found myself about 50 pounds above the recommended range when I became pregnant with my second child. Upon sharing the news of my second pregnancy, I was bombarded with concern from well-intentioned friends. “Aren’t you anxious about your weight? I’ve heard it can be harmful to the baby,” one friend remarked. “Women who are overweight have a higher chance of developing gestational diabetes,” another warned. “Plus-size women often require medical assistance during delivery,” chimed in yet another.
During this pregnancy, I experienced significant size-shaming, with many making me feel as if I were endangering my baby simply by being pregnant while overweight. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), women classified as obese face increased risks for complications such as miscarriage, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension. ACOG even recommends that healthcare providers counsel plus-size women on weight management before conception, during pregnancy, and after childbirth.
Given the plethora of warnings regarding the dangers of being pregnant and overweight, it’s understandable that many plus-size women harbor concerns for both their health and their baby’s well-being. However, the reality is that healthy pregnancies among plus-size women are entirely feasible, and many overweight women give birth to healthy babies. “Most plus-size women have normal pregnancies and healthy babies. The excessive focus on maternal size tends to amplify risks and instill fear,” notes Dr. Lisa Thompson, an obstetrician at a leading medical institution.
Interestingly, plus-size pregnancies are more common than many realize. Research indicates that approximately half of pregnant women in the U.S. are overweight. Unfortunately, many plus-size mothers-to-be encounter negative attitudes from their healthcare providers. Dr. Emma Ross, a family physician, advises plus-size pregnant women to advocate for themselves. “Don’t hesitate to question your doctor, especially if you’ve done your homework. You know your body best, and if something feels off, trust that instinct. If you feel your care is compromised due to bias about your weight, consider finding a new provider,” she recommends.
While being overweight during pregnancy does present some added risks, many of these can be managed through lifestyle choices, such as improved nutrition and regular exercise. Interestingly, it’s not uncommon for plus-size women to experience weight loss in the early stages of pregnancy, possibly due to healthier eating habits and morning sickness.
For women navigating plus-size pregnancies, the key is to focus on a balanced diet rich in low-sugar, high-protein snacks, stay hydrated, and engage in light aerobic activities. Most importantly, don’t fret that being overweight will jeopardize your baby’s health. “The statistics suggest that plus-size women are likely to have healthy pregnancies,” states Sarah Johnson, a mother of two and co-author of Your Plus-Size Pregnancy. “While the odds may seem stacked against plus-size women, the truth is that you’ll most probably have a healthy pregnancy and a smooth delivery. It doesn’t have to be a huge concern.”
Indeed, while plus-size pregnancies are associated with higher risks, such as gestational diabetes—which I experienced during my second pregnancy—these challenges are manageable. Despite having a larger baby (11.1 pounds), my child is now a healthy and happy four-year-old. And no, I haven’t shed the baby weight yet!
For further insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out our other blog posts at intracervicalinsemination.com. For those looking to boost their fertility, consider visiting makeamom.com for valuable resources. Additionally, ACOG provides excellent resources on pregnancy and infertility treatment at acog.org.
Summary
Plus-size women can have healthy pregnancies despite societal concerns and medical warnings. Although there are increased risks, many plus-size women deliver healthy babies, and self-advocacy in healthcare can help mitigate biases. Balanced nutrition and lifestyle changes can also support positive outcomes during pregnancy.