Imagine being told that your body doesn’t know how to go into labor simply because you belong to a certain demographic. You’re immediately labeled as high-risk, and the next thing you know, you’re being pressured into an induction because the medical professional on call has preconceived notions about people like you. This is the harsh reality that many plus-size women face during pregnancy and childbirth.
Take the case of Sarah, a mother of two. Due to her weight, she was subjected to unnecessary scrutiny and bias. Research from the University of Tennessee Medical Center indicates that women with a BMI over 40 have a staggering 56.6% chance of needing a C-section. The statistics only worsen with higher BMI levels, with a multi-state study revealing a 71% C-section rate among women with a BMI over 52. Disturbingly, a study on weight bias in healthcare found that 24% of nurses admitted to feeling “repulsed by obese women.” This environment of discrimination leads to inadequate maternity care for plus-size women.
While I was fortunate not to face coercion into a C-section, my experience during my last pregnancy was marred by fat-phobic remarks. After gaining weight due to gestational diabetes and medication, I encountered a doctor who lacked the skill or compassion to administer my epidural properly. He jabbed me in the spine multiple times, blaming my weight for his difficulties. It was infuriating to realize that he was using my body as a scapegoat for his incompetence.
This issue isn’t isolated. According to a study cited by Mother Jones, many healthcare providers harbor biases against obese individuals, labeling them as “ugly” or “noncompliant.” Even when faced with gestational diabetes, only half of those affected are overweight, yet many plus-size women are subjected to excessive testing throughout their pregnancy, such as frequent glucose challenge tests.
The indignities faced by plus-size women in healthcare settings are numerous. Reports of pressure to consent to sterilization during labor, being yelled at during appointments, and having every health issue attributed to their size are all too common. For instance, you could visit the doctor for a sprained ankle only to be told it’s due to your weight. This constant blame extends to childbirth—fat is often cited as the reason for complications, large babies, or difficulties with breastfeeding.
The situation is so dire that a 2011 survey published by the Sun Sentinel revealed that 15 out of 105 obstetric clinics outright refused to treat larger patients based on arbitrary weight limits. Some claimed their equipment wasn’t suitable for plus-size women, while others cited high-risk concerns. Dr. Alan, who made his sizeist views public, stated, “People don’t realize the risk we’re taking by taking care of these patients.” It’s disheartening to see such prejudice in a field committed to caring for all individuals.
To combat this stigma, organizations like Midwifery Today are advocating for size-friendly practices in maternity care. Their guidelines stress the importance of treating plus-size women as individuals, rather than making blanket assumptions about their health based on their weight. They emphasize that many women with higher BMIs can and do have healthy pregnancies and normal births.
Unfortunately, fat prejudice remains one of the last socially acceptable forms of discrimination in America. It’s deeply rooted, affecting not just women but their families as well. Even children, like Sarah’s young son, can experience ridicule based on their mother’s size. The medical community, particularly OB-GYNs, should be a sanctuary for those seeking care, but until sizeism is addressed, women like Sarah and I will continue to endure these challenges.
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In summary, plus-size women face significant discrimination during pregnancy and childbirth, which can lead to inadequate care and negative experiences. By raising awareness and advocating for size-inclusive practices, we can help ensure that all women receive the respectful and competent care they deserve.