Pregnancy Challenges: Plus-Sized Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most exciting and important times in your life. Although a pregnancy does carry some extra risks if you are overweight, the media and even well-meaning friends and family often make things seem much worse than they actually are. Half of women in the US of childbearing age are considered to be overweight. Of those who get pregnant, the vast majority have uncomplicated pregnancies and healthy babies. Most likely, you will also have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. However, because being overweight does increase your risk of developing some complications, it is especially important that you get good prenatal health care and take good care of your body. Some of the complications that plus-sized women are more at risk for include:

• Gestational Diabetes
• Neural Tube Defects
• Heart Defects
• Preeclampsia
• Strep B

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help minimize your risk. At the top of the list is eating a well-balanced, healthy diet. Most doctors recommend that plus-sized women gain less weight during pregnancy.  Aim for a total gain of fifteen to twenty pounds, mostly in the second and third trimesters. You will also want to be sure and take a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid. Folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. Ideally, you should take folic acid for several months before you conceive.

Choosing a doctor or midwife is an important step for any pregnant woman, but it is especially important for the plus-sized woman. Find someone who will explain possible complications clearly, but with kindness and sensitivity. The last thing you need is a doctor who will try to make you feel afraid or ashamed. Your doctor should be a reassuring presence, not a scary one. Work with your doctor or midwife to make sure you get tests for specific complications like Gestational Diabetes and Strep B. Gestational Diabetes can be managed if caught early and Strep B can be treated with antibiotics. In addition, be sure to ask your doctor or midwife about labor and delivery. Plus-sized women often have longer labors. You will want to make sure your doctor is aware of this and that you agree on how to handle a longer labor.

Keep in mind that your state of mind is a factor in your health. Knowing that you can and probably will have a healthy pregnancy increases your odds of doing just that.  Surround yourself with supportive family and friends. If there is someone in your life who is not supportive, try talking to him or her first. If that does not work, avoid that person as much as possible. It may seem rude, but you are doing what is best for you and your baby. You do not need negative people in your life right now.

Most likely, you will have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. So relax and enjoy this special time in your life!

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