Plus size pregnancy support thread

[m0xxie]

Hoping to find some other "fluffy" women to share about being plus size and pregnant... preferably pre-pregnancy BMIs between 30 and 50. Anybody else out there?

My story so far....I'm 43 and I'm 9w with my current pregnancy (I've had one previous, an early miscarriage). I started out this pregnancy with a BMI of around 40, but I've lost about 20 pounds (severe and persistent nausea is making it hard to keep much down).

Other than the extra weight, I'm pretty darn healthy, and I hope very much to have an intervention-free birth, but know that my weight puts me at risk for pre-e and GD and I don't know what else.

Anyway, if you're out there, I would love to connect with you and hear your stories. Thanks!!

[forest~mama]

Hi- just popping in from the TTC forums. Just wanted to say that I was a fluffy mama when I was p with dd, and had no health issues due to that. Congrats on your pregnancy!

[Monarchgrrl]

Hey! I'm in the Bay Area too! Congrats on your pregnancy! I'm 22 weeks with my first. I don't know my BMI because I think they are not useful numbers. I'm 32, 5'3" and 220lbs. I've gained 5 pounds so far. I'm not weighing myself too regularly and my midwives have never asked my weight and don't weigh me. I'm very healthy and eat really well. They are actually amazed at my diet and have never had to give me nutrition advice. I wasn't going to do the GD test, but the way my midwives do it is fine with me. In about 6 weeks I'll eat a protein-filled lunch and then they will do a finger prick after an hour. If the # is a bit high then they'll have me keep the glucometer for a few days and document with experimenting with carbs/no carbs and find out where my #'s are good. Then they don't write the "official" number down until it's in the normal range. I love it! I'm not worried about it though because I don't eat sugar and I'm hypoglycemic.

I'm sorry you're having bad nausea. I was lucky enough to skip that. The only "issue" I'm having is that people are just now noticing my pregnant belly. I think I've looked huge and sticking out there since about 12 weeks, but even this weekend my SIL said "You don't look pregnant". That kinda hurt because, trust me, I did not have this basketball sticking out in front of me before. But I guess she thinks I'm naturally that "fat". Oh well, it's not really an issue and I'll only look more and more pregnant from here on out, but it just sucks to know that some people just see me as fat still.

[earthyamber]

Hi! I have a BMI of 38, I think. I am 5'9 and 260lbs. I am 27 years old (almost 28) and I am 19 weeks pregnant. This is my 3rd child, I have a 5 yr old and a 9 yr old as well. I am still down over 10 lbs and we aren't sure why I am not gaining. However, I am fine with not gaining and the ultrasound today showed a healthy baby so no concerns. Besides, my weight, I am in good health. I have good BP, no diabetes, etc. I plan to have another natural birth (hospital birth this time with midwives). I am at risk of diabetes (my numbers were higher then I like) but I am working on my diet. I am trying to walk and stay active although my belly is already HUGE. Overall, I try not to let my weight get me down. I wish I was thinner and not so soft, but oh well. I am hoping for another healthy labor and baby. Congrats on your pregnancy!

[rightkindofme]

My pre-preggo bmi was 32, so I'm not real dainty. My first pregnancy I lost 18 lbs due to severe nausea that lasted 5.5 months. I gained most of that back, but I still didn't weigh much more than I did at the beginning of the pregnancy. No health problems at all otherwise. This pregnancy I have gained 8 lbs at 30 weeks and I have no problems at all. I am as healthy as a Clydesdale. (which is a silly expression because horses actually have somewhat delicate health)

Being heavy is absolutely not a guarantee that you will have problems. The most important thing, in my opinion, is to find a caregiver who does not see you as a walking time bomb. You aren't. And if your caregiver ever says how much weight you are 'allowed' to gain drop them like a hot potato. Your age is actually more of a factor for pre-e than your weight from everything I have read. If you actually worry about it then it probably makes sense for you to do research into the Brewer diet. It has a very good success rate.

It'll work out. Some how, some way it will work out. Avoiding stress is the best thing you can do for you and the babe so try not to worry too much.

[Magali]

Hi! I am a large pregnant lady . I am pg with baby #2. I had a super easy/healthy pg last time, and the same goes this time. I am 5'9" and 215 pounds not pregnant. I'm not too sure how much I weigh right now. I got weighed at my first prenatal visit at 18 weeks, but refused to be weighed at the Dr.s during any other prenatal visits, and only did it the first time because my Dr. acted like me and my baby would die if she didn't know my weight, so I compromised and let her weigh me once lol. I guess the reason I don't like to be weighed at the DR. is that it makes me feel like a cow, and I don't see the point. Last pg I gained 55 pounds. And with my high BMI I am only "supposed" to have gained around 20 pounds (YEAH RIGHT). Also, at my very last prenatal visit with my son, the nurse weighed me wrong and added an extra 20 pounds to my weight! I told her, "that is odd I was 20 pounds lighter yesterday at my family DR.", and she just kind of stared at me blankly. I just thought whatever. Anyways, I feel fantastic and love being pregnant!

[Magali]

Monarchgrrl, your midwives sound wonderful! I asked my Dr. about an alternative to the GTT and she just shook her head and said there is no alternative. I knew that wasn't true, but...whatever...

[HeatherB]

I'm also a "fluffy" mama. I have, thus far, lost a bit and seem to be maintaining the lower weight at this moment. That's pretty par for the course (this is my 4th). I lose due to nausea, then eventually gain maybe 5 pounds at the very end. I work at eating well during pregnancy and certainly there are more calories burning with the baby growing. Anyway, all my babies have been a good, healthy size (7lb2oz, 7lb4oz, 7lb14oz) so we don't worry about the weight either way.

With my first HB, I didn't do any glucose testing. With #2, I did a glucose meter and ate a really good dinner, then a really sugary breakfast (something I would NOT normally eat - that was fun! ). My numbers were all good, so we didn't worry about that, either.

I think the hardest thing for me with being heavy and pg is the lack of the beautiful pregnant belly. I can feel my uterus and I know it's sticking out further and everything is moving... and when I wear smoothing maternity clothes, it looks distinctly enough pg that strangers notice... but it's not the same. I've thought, after each pregnancy, that I'd work really hard and get to a place where I'd be healthier and then have that lovely pg belly. Oh, well. I am unfortunate enough to have the extra rolls that never do smooth out (without the help of Spanx... which are a little hot in the summer but effective! ), so I'll never have belly pics or anything like that.

But, I've never had GD, never had pre-e or major BP issues. My MW is amazing and helps me maintain healthy BP when it does creep up. This time, it's been quite low for me, so we're both quite pleased!

Basically, I haven't got any real pregnancy issues from being heavy, and I know many, many women can and will have healthy pregnancies regardless of their weight.

[myk]

my pre-preg BMI was 37. i wish the nausea was keeping me from binging, but the only thing that's actually keeping the nausea at bay is eating - so i've already gained 15 lbs in 2 months. it's totally frustrating. the cravings are just evil, and because of some abdominal pain i spend too much time laying on my side.

with my first baby, i gained 30 lbs by 8 months, and then after having baby i ended up being significantly lighter than my pre-preg. this time around, i STARTED at my former 8-months-pg weight and honestly, i'm terrified.

and i'm frustrated that i can't find clothes that fit. apparently in this town, fat people aren't supposed to get pregnant.

sorry to be a downer, i'm just really feeling it today, i wish i was healthy.

[MaerynPearl]

pre-preg BMI for me was just over 33 (though I personally do not take stock in BMI... I had to actually look it up just now to know if I qualified as plus size to you! I have large bone structure so I am always large, even back when my BMI was 25)

I am on the verge of "risking out" of home birth due to my weight, thus I do not step on the scales at my midwifes request.

I have had several health problems this pregnancy but not a single one is attributed to my weight. Mostly its been my SPD... but also I had some spotting a couple weeks ago and it turned out my cervix is starting to funnel... but we have no fear of preterm labor. As long as I take things easy (I was moving heavy boxes without help at 26 weeks pregnant... and on my feet longer than I should have been) then nothing goes wrong. Its when I stress my body out that it starts to freak out.

My blood pressure has only been "raised" twice... and both of those for very good reason. Once (130/66) because I was in severe pain (when I was diagnosed with SPD before my first trip to the chiro) and once (120/76) because I had a sub nurse and she questioned me on my home birth choice (in the office of the doctor who talked me into home birthing in the first place!)

And yes, I know those BPs are pretty okay... but for me that is quite high (my average is 94/64)

I'm not gaining unhealthily... I'm barely 10 pounds over my pre-preg weight at 28 weeks. So my weight doesn't really worry me at all for baby's sake, but rather for my own.

[jessieb503]

Thanks for starting this thread! I, too, am an overweight mama. I lost 100 lbs a few years ago but after having three miscarriages my hormones/depression caused me to gain most of it back. I eat SUPER healthy and exercise almost daily I think I am just destined to be 'thick'.
I also worry about all of the things that can come along with being overweight and having an unhealthy pregnancy but my midwife said- that being overweight is just 'one risk factor' If I was to eat poorly and not exercise than that's when the problems would start. So I feel like everything is going to be okay.

I also worry about my belly fat smashing my baby when I lean forward. Does anyone else think of that? My midwife said the baby is in so much water that it is protected but I still think about it pretty much all day. But I'm 17 weeks and so far so good!!!

[ChristineEileen]

I have been wondering about this! It's so early yet that I haven't had my first MW appt, I'm 5wks 1day today I'm 5'11", and I just calculated my BMI, and it's 32.1. I had no idea I fell into the "obese" category, since I try my darndest to eat right and make sure my boys and myself get exercise everyday.

Thanks for the information, I was worried about the GD and pre-e, and not sure what to expect from my first appt, now I have some good information. Thank you all!

[Monarchgrrl]

Just thought I would add this. It sums up my opinion nicely:

When I did an initial phone interview with my homebirth midwife I told her I was overweight and told her my height and weight. She asked about my diet and how healthy I was. Then I asked her about home birthing and if that was an issue for her and she laughed and said, "You wouldn't be the first fat woman to give birth at home. If that were the case the human race would have died out a long time ago. Being fat isn't an issue at all!" And it hasn't been. She hasn't once mentioned it or treated it like a "risk factor" for anything. I her!

[m0xxie]

Thank you, everyone, for chiming in! The support I feel around here is just so amazing, and it's so nice to hear about healthy moms and healthy babes, no matter what the size.

In case you haven't discovered it yet, I found a lot of good articles about this topic here: http://www.babycenter.com/plus-size-...ial%20Question

I especially liked the advice I read about "How can I let people know I'm pregnant, not just overweight?" This is such a special time, and I want my fair share of "Momma-to-be" love!!!

[horsecrazy100]

Although I never knew my bmi before, I just calculated it and I was approx a 37 before getting pregnant.

I have had no health issues, GD test came back completely normal, all my blood pressure readings have been great. I am one day overdue and planning a home birth. Although one of the midwives at the practice seems a little biased regarding larger women, my primary midwife has seen no concerns and is impressed with my diet etc.

I too have had horrible nausea the entire pregnancy. Diclectin has been my lifesaver!!

[Magali]

Originally Posted by myk

and i'm frustrated that i can't find clothes that fit. apparently in this town, fat people aren't supposed to get pregnant.

sorry to be a downer, i'm just really feeling it today, i wish i was healthy.

Have you checked out Motherhood Maternity online? They have plus size maternity clothes that are for the most part really cute. My last pg I was feeling the same as you...couldn't find anything. But I am soooo happy I have found maternity clothes that actually fit and feel good this time around!

[MaerynPearl]

I got my plus sized clothes from Old Navy, Walmart and Target (all online) but yeah Motherhood Maternity has a bunch too!

It sucks to have to shop online but I have surprisingly had no trouble sizing (I hate shopping I can never get the right size!) Most stores size by your pre-pregnancy size which seems to work just fine... but be sure to check what their sizing is before buying!

[JTA Mom]

Another plus size momma here.

Before getting pregnant with this little one, I was 5'3'' and 198lbs. I was actually losing weight too. Apparently whenever I start a weight loss program I get pregnant.

Right now I'm 26w6d and have gained about 15 lbs. So, not bad, MUCH less than I gained with ds2 or ds1.

I do find that 'tighter' clothes accentuate it more, as does using the belly for a handrest. I guess I'm also ambiguously fat/pregnant looking still, so no one dares ASK. But once they see the hand there, everyone gets it.

It's weird too, because since about 22weeks, whenever this baby kicks, you can SEE it. My belly jumps and you see a little mountain. The doctors also have had zero trouble finding my uterus or feeling the baby. Yet I still look big enough to not be pregnant. Weird.

Ami

[rightkindofme]

I think it is kind of hilarious that 4 of us are in the bay area.

I'm glad you are feeling more secure.

[JTA Mom]

Originally Posted by rightkindofme

I think it is kind of hilarious that 4 of us are in the bay area.

I'm glad you are feeling more secure.

Well, it doesn't help that I can get delicious, authentic ethnic food from pretty much anywhere within a 30 min drive. And that the serious concentration of foodies makes for delicious produce, bakery items, etc.

Not that I've gone from Vietnamese spring rolls as an appetizer to soft corn tacos filled with carne asada, spicy salsa and guacamole, as the meal and thai mango with coconut sticky rice as dessert.

Ami