Having gained weight after my first pregnancy, I was approximately 50 pounds overweight when I found out I was expecting my second child. Upon sharing the news, I was immediately confronted with concerns from well-intentioned friends:
- “Aren’t you worried about your weight? I heard it’s harmful to the baby.”
- “Overweight women have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, you know.”
- “Plus-size women often require medical interventions during delivery.”
During that pregnancy, I felt an overwhelming sense of size-shaming. It was as if I was endangering my baby simply by choosing to become pregnant while being overweight.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) warns that women with obesity face increased risks of miscarriage, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension. They even recommend that healthcare providers counsel plus-size women to lose weight prior to pregnancy, restrict weight gain during pregnancy, and shed excess pounds promptly after childbirth.
Given the plethora of warnings about the dangers of being overweight during pregnancy, it’s understandable that many plus-size women feel anxious regarding their health and that of their babies. However, the reality is that healthy pregnancies in plus-size women are entirely possible, and many overweight women give birth to healthy babies every day.
“Most plus-size women have completely normal pregnancies and healthy babies,” Dr. Rachel Johnson, an OB-GYN and clinical instructor at a prestigious medical school, shared. “The emphasis on maternal weight can amplify risks and create unnecessary fear.”
Interestingly, plus-size pregnancies are more common than many might realize. Reports indicate that nearly half of women in the U.S. are overweight during their pregnancies. Unfortunately, many of these expectant mothers encounter negative attitudes from their healthcare providers.
“My advice for plus-size pregnant women facing biased treatment from doctors is to become your own advocate. Don’t hesitate to question their recommendations, especially if you’ve done your own research. You know your body better than anyone,” Dr. Emily Parker advised. “If you feel you’re not receiving the best care due to weight bias, don’t be afraid to find a new doctor.”
While being overweight can increase certain risks, there are still manageable ways to support a healthy pregnancy. Interestingly, some plus-size women even lose weight during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, likely due to healthier eating habits and morning sickness.
If you’re navigating a plus-size pregnancy, focus on consuming low-sugar, high-protein snacks, staying hydrated, and engaging in light aerobic exercise. But remember, being overweight does not automatically jeopardize your baby’s health.
“The likelihood is that plus-size women will have healthy pregnancies,” stated Laura Mitchell, a mother of two and co-author of a guide on plus-size pregnancy. “The statistics may seem discouraging, but the truth is that the majority of plus-size women experience perfectly healthy pregnancies, with no complications for their babies.”
While I did face gestational diabetes during my second pregnancy, I found it manageable. My second child was born weighing 11.1 pounds, and today, they are a vibrant and healthy four-year-old. And no, I still haven’t shed all the baby weight.
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In summary, while plus-size pregnancies come with some additional risks, many women navigate these challenges successfully. With the right support and advocacy, plus-size women can experience healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies.