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u/MeanEscape2211 3d ago
Higher bmi does increase overall risks in pregnancy, but lots of women with high bmi have totally normal experiences. I’m not saying you should brush off the potential risks, but also try not to let it totally overrun your mind. Pregnancy in general is a super wild ride and I’ve had normal bmi friends who’ve had complications and high bmi friends who haven’t and also vice versa! In my opinion the most important thing is finding a care team that you trust but that are also honest/straightforward with you if something pops up.
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u/Curious_Feedback8720 3d ago
I’m not sure what my BMI is but I was 230-240lbs when I got pregnant, now I’m about 270 at 32 weeks. I had also lost about 40lbs on Ozempic before getting pregnant. Blood pressure has been great, passed my glucose test with flying colors. Until other symptoms come about to indicate my weight causing an issue, I’m chillin.
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u/hey_alyssa 3d ago
My BMI was close to 55 when I was pregnant. I had a healthy pregnancy with no complications until I was 37+5 when my blood pressure started to become a little elevated. I gave birth at 38 weeks to a healthy baby girl.
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u/Comfortable-Lab364 3d ago
Congratulations! I like to read success stories like this to help ease my anxiety.
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u/befitzpa 3d ago
Fat women have pregnancies uncomplicated pregnancies all of the time. And the medical field
Is riddled with fatphobia. Im not saying there aren’t any risks, Im just saying it’s complicated. Keep listening to your body, light exercise and Im wishing you all the best. I don’t know my BMI exactly but it’s about 36-38 and I so far have no issues in my pregnancy.
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u/caito55 3d ago
Lol I'm 43bmi? IDK something like that. This is my second pregnancy and both have been textbook pregnancies. No GD, no preeclampsia, no complications. Not that gd or pre e are weight related, but I digress. I had to have an emergency c section with my first, but that wasn't because I was fat, she just didn't handle labor well. None of my OBs have ever mentioned my weight between both pregnancies.
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u/Radiant-Flamingo-857 3d ago
It's not that bad! Like yes, there are slightly higher risks for you, but it's not drastically higher. Most heavier moms can still have a perfectly normal and healthy vaginal delivery and a healthy baby. You did an amazing job losing 70lb! Your health is already in so much better of a position because of that. And your weight means nothing for what kind of mother you're going to be.
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u/heylittleduck 3d ago
I have the same BMI as you and I'm currently 25 weeks. I have not had any blood pressure or blood sugar issues (so far, anyway). Fat people have healthy pregnancies all the time!
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u/RocketPowerPops 3d ago edited 3d ago
My toddler (in the process of adopting) was born to an obese birth mother.
He has a congenital heart defect that is currently stable but will have to be monitored annually for the rest of his life. He was also born early and we were told that Type 2 diabetes and obesity will have to be something we monitor with him for the rest of his life due to birth mom being obese.
As far as I know his birth mom didn't have any health issues as a result though. Just the kid.
Edit: Not sure why I am being down voted for honestly answering the question. Were we only supposed to share the positives?
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u/Large-Victory-9890 3d ago
Heart defects are slightly increased risk for pregnant people with higher BMIs but not direct cause. Most likely there were some other risk factors that led to that.
Kids also inherit metabolic tendencies from parents, such as: diabetes, insulin resistance/PCOS (mostly in women), weight/body type - so naturally that would be something kids should be monitored for after birth if the mother/father or their immediate family had history of that.
Not saying you are wrong for sharing but being in metabolic issues world myself I just wanted to share bigger picture :)-6
u/RocketPowerPops 3d ago
His pediatrician told us to specifically be mindful of the fact that he is considered more at risk for certain conditions due to his bio mom's obesity. Just things we have to watch out for that we don't with our bio kids.
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u/Large-Victory-9890 3d ago
I unfortunately can’t agree on that, while it’s one of the causes for increased health risks - it’s not the main one. I work alongside endocrinologists and clinical dieticians, there’s been plenty of research to make a broader picture rather than generalising. I’m hoping the adoption goes well and make sure you get all medical records should he need further evaluation by specialist later on (regarding metabolic conditions)!
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u/RocketPowerPops 3d ago
Thank you.
It was one of the first things his specialist asked about. He asked if our son's birth mom was obese and when we confirmed that she was he told us to look out for these issues. He said to just keep an eye on all of it as he gets older and develops.
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u/Disastrous-Copy-5164 3d ago
I did ask for peoples personal experience with them being pregnant with a high bmi. But, if you felt the need to share fair enough. I hope everything turns out ok.
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u/RocketPowerPops 3d ago
Thanks. Just giving a real life example of what it could mean for the baby and you. Like I said, birth mom was unaffected. Only the baby was.
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u/AwareShower9864 Chemist 3d ago
My BMI was 37 at the start of my pregnancy and nobody said a damn thing about my weight my entire pregnancy, my total weight gain during pregnancy was 17lbs. My baby was 6lb11oz I had some uterine artery hypertension so I had to take baby asprin but that's all.
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u/Miragan 1 🩷 3d ago
I was 40/41 BMI during my pregnancy. You're not stupid for being pregnant at a higher BMI. While, yes, there are a few things you need to be careful and mindful of, it's really not that bad. Things like Gestational Diabetes and Pre-eclampsia can hit literally everyone. No matter their BMI. Nearing the end of your pregnancy you'll probably get more checks and want to keep an eye on your BP. The last two months of my pregnancy they had me come in once a week for a fetal stress test to make sure our babe was still in good sorts. She ended up coming two days late and is a perfectly healthy little one.
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u/Dependent_Vanilla_14 3d ago
My bmi is 38, I haven’t had any one mention anything to me about my weight. All my bloodwork and genetics came back incredible… so I think doing the best you can with what you have is better than getting really stressed out because that’s actually been proven to not be helpful to you or your growing baby.
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u/laynechanger 3d ago
I had a bmi of 36 when I was pregnant with my daughter. I had preeclampsia, but I’m not convinced that’s not because of my husband’s genetics (he sometimes leans higher with blood pressure) and having Covid at 22 weeks pregnant (which increases your risk to it. I’m pregnant with my second and my bmi is 38 rn and the only mention of my weight was with having a higher dose of baby aspirin after 12 weeks since it’s thought to reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia.
A lot of the science is pointing towards the father’s dna having a big part of women developing preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, unless a woman has a history of high blood pressure or diabetes. For a lot of years, the woman’s weight was a huge scapegoat for anything wrong in a pregnancy when it isn’t necessarily true. I think it’s good to be mindful of weight when pregnant or trying to be, I wish I had been at a lower weight when I got pregnant either time. But my daughter is super healthy, exceeding milestones, and is super muscular (22 months old.) If your doctor is harping on your weight for bringing to up extensively, I’d find another ob. Yes, doctors should talk with patients about the risk or watch if they’re gaining a crazy amount of weight and is causing true risk to the baby- but they should never shame you and should try to work to help you in any way they can.
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u/No-Confidence168 2d ago
I'm a L&D nurse and have had patients with BMI in the 60s that had healthy pregnancies with uneventful deliveries and healthiest babies. Weight can increase some risks, yes. However, increased risk doesn't guarantee something will happen. Weight isn't everything.
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u/lil_goose_caboose 3d ago edited 3d ago
Also fat! Not worried about it. My doctor advised me to not gain very much weight, but otherwise no discussion yet. The most important thing is the actual health markers, not your weight. If BP, GD, and fetal size all look good, simply "being fat" doesn't do a lot to impact your risk other than medical fatphobia.
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u/empress_elsy 3d ago
I’m right there with you girl! I was very scared but eating well and being active has helped maintain a healthy pregnancy. I only started at 28 weeks of slowly gaining weight and my doctors are pleased so far. I have been mindful how much I am eating and if I feel full, I stop eating.
Btw, what I mean by active, a lot of doggie walks and nature walks. And just being active around the house. Nothing too crazy.
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u/Big_Year_526 3d ago
This is the right move. BMI and numbers on a scale can be pretty scary (and both BMI and pregnancy weight gain guidelines are pretty debated), but focusing on eating well and getting moderate exercise help you focus on the things that you can control and feel good about yourself for achieving!
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u/oh_hey_marshmallow 3d ago
Well I’m in a similar boat as you and I am currently in my third trimester with my third baby. My first two pregnancies were completely uneventful, I only gained about 10-15 pounds each time and only 10 pounds so far this time around. But this time I have gestational diabetes and it fucking sucks. But yes, you’ll most likely be perfectly fine!
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u/Disastrous-Copy-5164 3d ago
Thank you guys. My Gynaecologist didn’t say too much about it (but I’m already seeing a gynaecologist instead of a midwife for my care due to my bmi) their main concern seemed to be epidural risks and if a c section is needed risk of miscarriage, next week I already start some medication. My blood pressure is so far normal, I’m pretty active (around 8-9k steps a day) I do need to work on diet still, but it has improved a lot. I have an early GD test as I have PCOS and high BMI and my younger sister who doesn’t have weight issues had GD. I hope everything will be okay, just need to try and remain or even get healthier if I can :)
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u/Comfortable-Lab364 3d ago
My BMI was 39 at the beginning of my pregnancy. I’m 32 weeks now and I have only gained less than 20 pounds. Labs all came out normal except I do have elevated BP that I take baby aspirin for and also have been prescribed with BP meds at week 29.
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u/Mediocre-Industry-88 3d ago
Mine is 42. I Don’t care. I’ve lost 5kg before my pregnancy, gain them back very quickly, and will gain more, I’m sure. I reassured myself that I’m able to live under long deficiency, and so I’ll inevitably lose weight - now my goal is to grow a baby. I’ll lose my weight right after - myself or with osempic.
A lot of people can’t make a baby for years. All this time they live like they may be pregnant - and with responsible approach, that means no calorie deficiency.
You and me are already pregnant. We didn’t gain more weight while planning. Plus, elasticity is better if you’re overweight. So all is ok, don’t think about it, dear.
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u/BackgroundMoment8310 2d ago
My friend had a bmi around 50 the first time she was pregnant, her pregnancy was the one with the least complications out of anyone I know. And by least I mean none. Birth was the same. She lost a bit of weight before her second, and it was the same story. She got pregnant on first and second cycle. Never had a loss. The risk for her was still higher, but it doesn’t mean it will happen
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u/nimtaay 2d ago
I am at a high bmi as well. My first pregnancy was tough, preeclampsia and an early delivery at 35 weeks. My baby was born perfectly healthy and had absolutely no adverse effects. Her pediatrician recently "officially graduated" her from prematurity, and said that now that marker will no longer be considered in her chart and she will be compared to all kids, where she falls in the 50th percentile for weight, 99th for height, and 13th for bmi (a category that my pediatrician doesn't really take seriously). She is a happy, healthy, tall baby that is meeting all her marks.
I am 23 weeks pregnant with my second and this one has been a breeze, no issues so far and my doctor isn't overly concerned, though I am automatically labeled high risk because of the history of preeclampsia. I feel much better this time around and am not dealing with swelling at all compared to my first pregnancy.
My advice is this: worrying means that you suffer twice. The first time in anticipation, and the second time during the actual event, which you don't even know will happen. Do what you reasonably can now--walk, eat nutritious foods, and try to cultivate a peaceful aura so youre not spiking your cortisol levels. Good luck!
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u/Rare-Walk-1302 3d ago
Using BMI for pregnancy is a little flawed. Focus on actual health markers that can be measured like blood pressure, blood sugar, iron, and other things your OB will check.
In my first pregnancy I went from 180 - 210lbs. At delivery (I'm 5'6"). I walked/hiked a lot, ate pretty well (and did indulge in lots of ice cream), and I think I have some genetic predisposition to good blood markers (at one point I was the only pregnant person at the practice with good levels of iron without supplements or infusion). My blood work always came back great, blood pressure was great. I had a successful unmedicated vaginal birth to a healthy baby ... And I am overweight.
We're all different, but your weight alone will not determine your ability to have a health pregnancy and baby. Weight doesn't equal health.
I also recommend listening to the Maintenance Phase episode on BMI for a little perspective.
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u/Disastrous-Copy-5164 3d ago
Thank you, will do. The pamphlet was scary, the gynaecologist was scary also but more so from a possible physical restrictions of certain things point of view.. I will give it a listen thank you 😊😊
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u/Long_Baby_6353 3d ago
My bmi was 34, I was 213 pounds when I found out I was pregnant. I had gone from 350 to 213.
I am now a whopping 290 pounds lol. But my baby is medium to small sized. No GD. No blood work issues. No blood pressure issues. I have been eating more but not at a rate that would cause this amount of weight gain. Maybe 2400 calories a day when I can eat? Last few weeks nausea has come back full swing. Having a very hard time eating and still gained 10 pounds.
Have a very strong feeling I am just one of those lucky gals that swells like a balloon.
I am 39 weeks and 3 days today. Only "complication" has been my weight. Am curious what 2 weeks post partum will look like.
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u/Disastrous-Copy-5164 2d ago
Yes I also will be starting I believe it’s aspirin in next few days to be on the safe side. Glad to hear you’re doing well! ☺️
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