Plus size

Are there additional risks ro being overweight during pregnancy?

Plus Size And Pregnant
In the United States, 3 our of every 10 women are considered obese. You are considered obese if your BMI is 30 or higher. Half of all pregnant women are considred overweight. While there are additional risks associated with being obese during pregnancy, most women will continue to have successful pregnancies. While doctors like to raise awareness about being overweight and pregnant, it is not to make the mother feel bad. The information is simply available as an extra means of education for what could potentially occur.

There are risks involved with being overweight during pregnancy. Not only can the extra weight make you feel sluggish and exhausted, your physical health and the health of your developing baby is at risk. Overweight women have increased risks of devoping hypertension and gestational diabetes. The risk of suffering a miscarriage or stillbirth is also increased if you are overweight. Because gestational diabetes carries the potential for a very large baby, overweight mothers are more likely to require a cesarean section to deliver their baby. Preeclampisa and hypertension raises the risk of a stroke, which also can cause a woman to have to deliver her baby via cesarean section. Performing a cesarean section on an overweight woman is also harder because of the additional layers of fat that have to be cut through.

Just as slender mothers and "average size" mothers will need maternity clothing, plus-size mothers will also need maternity clothes during their pregnancy. There are many stores that offer plus size maternity clothing for pregnant mothers. One of the easiest types of shirts to purchase is an empire waisted style that will allow you to show off your belly and stay comfortable as your pregnant belly grows. Often times, baggy t-shirts or stretch pants can be just as comfortable as maternity clothing. You do not have to spend a fortune to be comfortable during your pregnancy. Have a certified bra fitter measure you and fit you for a good fitting bra during your pregnancy. Check out online stores for additional options for larger maternity clothes if a particular store does not offer your size.

You can not diet during pregnancy. For the safety and well-being of your developing baby, losing weight during pregnancy is not recommended. Some women will lose some weight during the first trimester because of morning sickness and vomiting. However, you can watch what you eat and exercise to remain healthy throughout the nine months. Consume enough of the right calories, rather than eating high fat and calorie foods. Refrain from consuming foods and drinks that are high in sugar. Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water and exercise moderately daily. Health care providers recommend that an overweight woman gain approximately 15-25 pounds during her pregnancy.

Rather than focusing on the negative effects that being overweight and pregnany pose, try to focus on the positive. By eating the right foods, exercising and taking care of your body, you can continue with your pregnancy knowing that your actions are positively effecting your baby.

Comments: Plus size

Comments 26 to 49 of about 89.
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finallypregnant - 148 days ago.
Hi there, I am 27 and I just found out I am pregnant. I just entered my 6th week and I am so excited. I have been trying for a year including 2 rounds of clomid that did not work. I had a miscarriage last year at approximately 7 weeks. I am nervous because for the past year I have been trying to figure out why I could not get a period and I finally realized that I had a thyroid issue. I have hashimotos disease and an underactive thyroid. When I went to the endocrinologist all he talked about was how I would not have a healthy pregnancy because I am overweight. He told me to put it out of my mind for 6 months. When I left his office I was devestated especially since he was going to start me on a medication yet, and obviously I need some help to get the weight off. I am 6 feet tall and I weight 267. As far as my health goes, I do not have high blood pressure, I am not at risk for diabetes and all of my other labs have come back normal. I am fairly active and I try to eat well (key word try). I scheduled an appt with a reproductive endocrinologist which is coming up.....however I just found out that I was pregnant. This pregnancy is sort of a miracle because I have been trying for a year and I have had only one period. I guess the times was right and all my stars were aligned. I need some words of encouragement because I want more than anything to have a healthy baby but all I can think about is what the doctor told me. I hope everything goes well with this pregnancy and we found out on Father's Day so I feel like that has to be a good sign:). One more thing because I am plus size I am scared of not looking pregant...just fat. Any advice would help.

beckybear - 161 days ago.
You ladies rock! I'm really hoping to do the same when I get PG again. Last time I was PG, I actually lost weight in the first 11 weeks (just a couple pounds), but it was because I was eating healthy and not drinking alcohol. One of my skinny friends was talking about 'Don't you just love that you can eat anything since you're PG?' She gained 70 pounds with each of her kids, and then lost it back immediately (bitch! LOL JK). Anyhow I guess we're exact opposites, because while most of the time I don't eat all that healthy and drink alot of alcohol, while I was PG, I ate so well. So many fruits and veggies, and I actually craved them, so that was a good thing. Keep it up ladies!

Shellie77 - 161 days ago.
I'm 24 weeks and haven't gained anything. I lost a few in the beginning, and have about evened out now. I hope I don't gain much..the doctor said no more than 15lbs heh, we'll see.

Bri - 161 days ago.
babybloo232 - Good for you! That's awesome. I think I'm in denial. I'm a size 12 or was when I started this pregnancy. I was 197 but I'm tall. I was very very sick this time around and it's only now starting to let up. I'm 11weeks right now. I lost almost 10lbs in only a couple weeks. My doctor wasn't worried either but she did put me on Zofran for the vomiting. Anyways, I don't want to gain a lot. I gained 80lbs with my son. I swear I'm not doing that again. My next appointment is next Tuesday and I'm hoping to still be under the pregnancy gain. HAHA! You are an inspiration for me. I know I have the maternal stores already there. I'm still breastfeeding so no weight gain in the boobs. I want to keep my gain under 20lbs. Good luck on your upcoming birth. That's awesome. Not even a month left. I envy you!

babybloo232 - 161 days ago.
i lost weight in the beginning of my pregnancy too...i am 37 weeks tomorrow and have gained 12 pounds total....i think it has everything to do with your body type but my doc was NEVER worried about it :D

dedileb - 162 days ago.
nychelly- thats fine same thing happen with me and im 22 wks tomorrow and have gained 3 lbs, no m/s or anything just not gaining really...which for us isnt a bad thing as long as we are eating!! good luck with everything!

nychellay - 162 days ago.
As for me, I'm 5 weeks and I haven't had an appetite for what I usually eat, and I've lost a couple of pounds (couldn't lose the weight before the pregnancy). I am not trying to lose weight, but I have only had the appetite for fruits, potatos, mac and cheese, moz cheese, cheddar cheese, just cheese in general, etc. But anywayz... I don't eat fried stuff anymore, the thought makes me sick.

firsttimer - 164 days ago.
Hi ladies, is anyone on a sensible diet whilst pregnant. I really want to keep my weight under control whilst pregnant. I'm not talking drastic weight loss, just a sensible diet.

avatargo - 203 days ago.
Just found this forum and thought I'd make a comment. I have two children and when each was conceived, my weight was anywhere between 230 and 250 pounds. Apart from the usual morning sickness, I sailed through both pregnancies, with good blood pressure (around 120 on 60) and no complications to speak of(gestational diabetes, preeclampsia etc), I am now pregnant with twins (nearly 35 weeks) and, again, it's been a great pregnancy. I'm obviously massive by now (lol), but, judging from the comments from other twin mommies, I'm no more uncomfortable than the girls whose pre-pregnancy weight was normal. In fact, they seem to be having a tougher time of it all than I am... again, no complications for me. Just wanted to let you know that it's not all doom and gloom... and we plus sized chicks can do it problem free too!

1Byfaith - 212 days ago.
Bridget- I am 25 weeks pregnant and I started showing around 15 weeks. I noticed first that my belly became more firm first and then it started to round out. Even though I am considered plus sized you can still look at me and I look like a pregnant women. The downfall is that instead of looking 6 mths I feel like I look like I am ready to deliver.

imdondee - 212 days ago.
Imcbrown, it usually is most drs way to make sure you stay healthy. I am high risk for weight, but also age. With the weight it can trigger the diabeties and high blood pressure faster from my understanding. However some drs consider underweight high risk also. I would not feel discriminated against. Take the percausion as a good thing. The dr is covering every step possible.

jmcbrown2002 - 213 days ago.
Hey girls, I was just wondering if anyone has been considered 'high risk' because of their weight? I had my daughter almost a year ago, and I had a perfect pregnancy, no issues at all.. I am starting this one out about 14 lbs heavier but so far no issues yet..well the dr that I was going to is sending me to a high risk dr because of my weight..this isnt the same dr i had last time (long story) but basically I am feeling a lil discriminated against, I dont understand why this time I am being made to feel like some kind of freak when my last pregnancy it wasnt even mentioned at all... Ugh. Any input would be appreciated.

imdondee - 213 days ago.
Im 27 weeks and to me I dont show but my baby father told me my butt got big. Then my oldest son told me weight is in my butt and hips not stomach. Not sure it a good thing. In my stomach area I found it has just become more solid. Sorta fluid from baby is fillin in the space. I lost weight until 2 weeks ago, now I am at + 4 from before pregancy.

~Bridget~ - 214 days ago.
Hi Ladies, this is my first pregnancy (well had three m/c but never got this far). I am 10 weeks along and I was wondering when did you all start showing????? Being a plus size it's not something that shows quickly like the others.

dedileb - 237 days ago.
would ya believe i went to my eye doc today and mentioned im pregnant and the 1st thing he said is to watch my weight!! lol i was like seriously i have my OB, family esp mom n myself watching me weight do i need my eye doc telling me too!! lol just wanted to share that he did wish me luck at least!! talk to you ladies later!!

1Byfaith - 237 days ago.
I am 21 weeks pregnant and I have gained 30 pds already. My starting weight was 230. I am upset about it. But what I don't understand is how do you keep your weight down while pregnant when obviously we have an issue with our weight or we would not be plus sized. I try to tell myself that I need to eat less or more healthy but that has been an issue for me while not pregnant so it is truly an issue for me now that I am expecting.

dedileb - 239 days ago.
Hey mommies to be! I just noticed this forum and its nice to know that im soo not alone, im 5' and pre-prego i was 235 and im not sure how much ive gained i have my 12 wk on the 7th so well see...to all happy pregnancies!!

Mama-of-2boys - 252 days ago.
Hello ladies!! I just noticed that this was here so I thought I would write. When I had my son I weighed 238pounds I gained like 60 pounds with him YIKES. After I had him I went down to 217 and eventually got down to 209. But due to stress and what not when I got pregnant this time I was 227. At first I didnt gain any weight at all I actually lost which I was thrilled haha. So all in all I have put on exactly 15 pounds and I'm 36 weeks pregnant. But I have also watched my weight a lot this time too. I have suffered from PIH this time which cant be caused because I'm 'over weight' since I never had any problems with it before I got pregnant or with my first son. I think us ladies have the rest of our life to worry about weight, I dont have good pregnancies at all so that is the last thing on my mind. We should just enjoy ourselfs and our bodies while we are pregnant because these are memories we will never be able to get back. Good luck ladies

annabelle77 - 263 days ago.
Empower is right! Well, I've only had one child but I worried SOOOO much about the weight I gained. I weighed 265lbs when I got pregnant and after delivery, 1 week later I was up 6lbs in all. I did gain weight but unlike many of my skinny friends who gained incredible amounts (one girl gained 90lbs!!!!) my gain was almost negligible. I loved loved bring pregnant and if there is a next one and I am still big, I will enjoy it more with less guilt. My pregnancy apart from high blood pressure in my last month (which was July, HOT HOT HOT) was super simple, problem free. Enjoy ladies!! :-)

McGill31 - 266 days ago.
My Baby had to be born early due to my high protien count and very high blood pressure. I stayed in the hospital on bed rest for 3 weeks before he was born and then 3 days after. I got to come home today 3/2/09 but my baby has to stay in the NICU for a while, not sure how long. He is very special to us and can't believe he is here. We are so happy and can't wait to bring him home.

empowers - 271 days ago.
Girls...Relax about the weight gain! Most overweight/obese women don't gain nearly as much as skinny women...You need to enjoy being pregnant. Your body is beautiful and doing something wonderful! It's working hard, give it a break :) I am 5'9 and weighed 300 lbs when I got pregnant with my first child, I only gained 20 lbs and my doctor was fine with it. I was so stressed abou GD and other problems, but I had NO complications, so don't worry about things that haven't happened yet. I have lost some weight, but am still big...With this pregnancy I am just enjoying being pregnant! Good luck and God Bless!

AGreuel - 287 days ago.
In reply to the last comment: get a second opinion. A lot of overweight women have a condition called PCOS (research it on Webmd.com). There is a way for you to have regular periods. A good OBGYN will prescribe Progesterone to jumpstart a cycle, and also look into a thyroid condition, or PCOS or the like. If you are having a hard time TTC then get a new Ob until you have one that listens. There is help...you just have to go get it yourself!

bekah123 - 288 days ago.
Yeah this is F***ed up I haven't had a cycle in 68 days but urine test are negative. If I go to an obgyn all they wanna do is say its because I am overweight. Well its true that it could be that but what I don't understand is there are women wayyy heavier than me having babies right and left and having nothing wrong with there cycles. Its just GRRRRRR. And none of them want to listen to anything.

tonysmommy - 296 days ago.
stargazer- I would not let your Dr talk you into a procedure that is not needed. My aunt is 5'8'' and very slim, a 'swimmers' body...no curves, tiny hips, etc...she had my cousin at 41 weeks, with no pain meds, her second and she weighed 12 lbs 3 oz!!!! I am big, I'm only 5' 2' and weigh 200#, when I delivered my son I was 236#, I pushed for 3 hours, they thought he was HUGE...he was 7lbs 3 oz, tiny...I really believe that your size has nothing to do with how your pelvis will do during delivery. If there is nothing medically wrong and no need to do a planned section and you want to try for a vaginal delivery, by all means, go for it!! It can be done! Just keep an open mind and remember even the best laid plans can get tossed out in a second!! Best of luck!!

peachy09 - 297 days ago.
Stargazer - i told my dr I was going to have a big baby because it runs in my family (I was 11lb 3oz, my sister was 10lb 8oz). They let me go a week overdue & we induced & I had my 10 lb 1 oz Tyson vaginally with no complications. I didn't get any ultrasounds besides the 20 week one, which was probably fine, because then I didn't have any particular reason to panic. I would say attempt the vaginal, but be open to the c-section because it ultimately depends on both your pelvic size & the babys head & shoulders. I'm tall (5'10') and 'big boned.'