plus size

Hi Angela,
That's so nice that you're both looking forward to starting a family! Have a great time and hope it happens quickly!

About the bit on being overweight. It's unhealthy for you and the baby to continue carrying (significant) extra weight. Risks include things like early miscarriage and gestational diabetes. They'll definitely test you for the latter, and you'll surely get advice to lose weight before becoming pregnant and to avoid gaining more than usual during pregnancy. Every pregnant woman is weighed and checked. Your baby also runs the risk of developing overweight later in life because it's passed down genetically and due to your lifestyle. So the best thing for you and the baby is to lose weight; this way you avoid unnecessary risks for you and your unborn child.
Hope this helps a bit. Good luck!

By the way, I don't know how much you weigh. You could calculate your BMI. There are BMI calculators online, for example on the Nutrition Center's website. Good luck!

Maybe try to burn off some fat after all. Anything you lose now is better for you and your baby. And I think you have some control over how much excess weight affects your pregnancy. It seems like you find it quite confronting, which is understandable, but that might make you avoid the issue. Keep your baby's health in mind, though. That could be a good motivation to lower your body fat percentage. Your coach can definitely help you with that.

But doctors won't judge you; they're there to guide you until the birth of a healthy baby. So you'll probably get some lifestyle advice, yes... Take advantage of it.

Wishing you lots of success and hoping you get pregnant soon! And just enjoy the process! You're still young, so anything is possible

Hey Angela, I'm pregnant with a plus-size baby

I also have a bit of extra weight right now (BMI 27.5), and during my pregnancy, the midwife only said one thing about it: "Okay, that's a perfectly fine weight and BMI." I think a BMI under 30 isn't considered a significantly increased risk at all; between 20 and 30 is totally fine. Below or above that range carries a slightly higher risk of getting pregnant and of complications during pregnancy, but even then, you shouldn't stress too much about it. There are so many other things that can increase your risk, or even raise it significantly (like stress). Personally, I think having a good self-image and being in good shape is more important than just the number on the scale.

Also, I was never weighed by the midwives during my two pregnancies, except for one weight check at the intake. By the way, if you end up getting gestational diabetes like a friend of mine did (she didn't have extra weight either), you will definitely be put on a diet from that point onward.

I was also pregnant last year with a BMI of 28.3. Never heard anything about it here. Everything was fine and healthy. Also gave birth at home as usual. I'm size 44 and 1.80m tall.
Don't worry too much. And soon just enjoy showing off your big belly!
In my opinion, a BMI of 30 is the limit.

I myself have a BMI of over 30. My weight is closely monitored by the OB-GYN, but as long as I don't gain too much (so far 2.5 kg), I don't have to see a dietitian. The message for me is: avoid sugars, choose the darkest bread possible, whole grain pasta, fresh soup... but don't starve myself.
So far, everything is fine I already had quite a belly before my pregnancy, so now it's only really starting to show that I'm pregnant, but I'm enjoying it just as much as anyone else!

I also have excess weight myself. My BMI is 35. I'm now pregnant for the 2nd time.

It's always gone like this: at the first check-up, they found that I had excess weight, so I had to do a sugar test, the OGTT, around 27 weeks, because high weight is a risk factor for gestational diabetes. The first time, nothing was wrong, and this time I was just on the edge. (I'm on a diet now, well, actually I don't do anything different regarding food and drink, and sugars are now always within limits, so it's good.) In my first pregnancy, I gained a total of 6 kg, and now at 32 weeks, I've gained 1.3 kg.

It's true that the higher your starting weight, the less you're "allowed" to gain. But from my experience, if you just eat normally, it all works out fine.

I also lose weight on my bottom and hips, and only my belly has grown. You do need to keep in mind with a firm model that it often doesn't stand out as quickly when your belly starts to grow. People don't dare to say it clearly because they're afraid you'll say you're not pregnant.

As mentioned earlier, don't diet now, not when pregnant, but just think well about your food. (And of course, something delicious is allowed every now and then.) It also helps if your pregnancy cravings are healthy. Then you can indulge without guilt. (Cherry tomatoes and ice cubes here :-))

With your clothing size, you could actually just buy maternity clothes at regular stores. I also wear size 44/46 and just wear shirts from H&M Mama, for example. Bonprix even has maternity clothes in large sizes, up to size 50.

Good luck with getting pregnant.

I was scared too, so if you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

I also thought about weight, but I consciously lost weight before my first pregnancy. With great results! Only... once I was pregnant, everything went straight into my mouth at a rapid pace... I should have been much more careful beforehand. And hormones certainly didn't help either. So I gained 25 kg!! I was 42 weeks pregnant and quite round. I had a lot more trouble with complaints like heartburn, shortness of breath, and sleep problems. We want to get pregnant again now, and in the meantime, I've gotten back to my healthy weight through a nutrition coach (even less than before #1). My coach is writing me a new plan for my pregnancy. By the way, it's not a diet, and I'm allowed to enjoy myself occasionally too. But it really helps me feel healthy. I also never want to get so heavy during a pregnancy again. I didn't feel comfortable at all. I'd rather pay attention to my food and feel good in my own skin. That will also help with childbirth, by the way!

I hope you find this helpful...

Hi Angela,
I'm 26 years old and have had (considerable) overweight my whole life. Over the past few years, I've been really busy with sports and healthy eating to lose weight before my boyfriend and I wanted to try for a baby. Unfortunately, still not much success, and a few weeks ago I just decided to accept it.
This morning I went to the GP to get my IUD removed, but I was also afraid of the comments or a big lecture. Fortunately, I have a very nice GP who is aware of my long battle with overweight, and all she said was: how exciting and fun! I started talking about my weight, and she just said to watch your diet, keep exercising, and above all, just enjoy!
Hopefully, when the time comes, I'll meet such a nice midwife too, but until then, I can continue on the nice words of my GP!
So for you too, enjoy and live healthily, that's important! Hopefully, a little miracle will soon grow in your belly!
Greetings