Overweight pre pregnancy and natural birth?

princessthecat22 · May 2013

Are there any ladies here that were overweight pre pregnancy and had a natural birth? Any tips or advice on the matter?

abell77 · May 2013

I don't know if it makes a difference depending on how much one is overweight, but I just thought I would throw out my experience...

I was not overweight before my first pregnancy, but I was probably somewhere between 20-30 lbs. overweight when I started my second pregnancy. It didn't effect my delivery at all. I don't know if you are planning on taking any birthing classes, but we took Bradley Method classes. I really credit their recommended exercises for not only helping in the birthing process but for a smooth recovery as well.

equinus · May 2013

I am overweight, (size 16 Pre-pregnancy), and had a quick (5 hours) natural birth with DD, and am about the same this pregnancy and am planning a homebirth with this LO. I gained about 40 lbs last time, and am on track to gain about the same with this one (even though I said I wouldn't gain as much, haha). I took Bradley classes last time which really helped prepare me for a natural birth. As far as diet gos, I am not really strict, except I try and eat 80-100 grams of protein a day (Bradley/Brewer diet). I am overweight, but not unfit. I have an active job, go on walks, and take a Body Flow class (tai chi-yoga-Pilates) at the gym 1-2 times a week. So yes, being overweight has not been a problem for me, good luck!

SarahinMD · May 2013

Health is the key thing, which may related to how much overweight, but also how you eat and exercise. I've started both this and last pregnancy overweight, but did high protein (Brewer diet as PP said) and this pregnancy I have been even more intentional about exercise. Some women actually lose weight during pregnancy because they're eating and exercising so much better. Weight itself doesn't in any way prevent a natural birth, I would think, though as with anyone, health issues (many f the key pregnancy complications are not necessarily weight related).

princessthecat22 · May 2013

Thanks everyone. I am a size 12/14 and really want to have a natural homebirth. My hubby and I are TTC currently, and I wanted to make sure my weight wasnt going to effect my plans.

Haley.Beth · May 2013

I've been overweight with both my pregnancies and have had absolutely no issues. I agree with pp that it's more about your health than your weight. My BP and glucose levels have always been normal, and I eat healthy and exercise, especially during pregnancy.

dmhrn13 · May 2013

I'm a MW & yes I've caught lots of babies like this. Look into how much you should gain based on your BMI & stick to that. Being overweight does increase your general "risk", but you just off set it as much as you can by eating healthy, exercising 30-60 minutes most days & be confident!

April! · May 2013

I'm a size 12/14 too and none of my midwives have said a single thing about my weight. (I'm just over the line into "obese" on the BMI chart.) I'm planning an unmedicated hospital birth with midwives, hopefully a water birth, but haven't given birth yet.

I agree with PP that your size is about normal. Isn't the average size 12 or 14?

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