Larger women in pregnancy...

[kateo]

I was ABSOLUTELY terribly discriminated against because of my weight during my first pregnancy. I started at a little less than you and was 113kg when I birthed my baby. I was not allowed to birth at the hospital of my choice and had to go to a different hospital. I was treated as a high risk pregnancy which seriously messed with my head. I was constantly tested for diabetes, and had extra ultrasounds to check bub wasn't too big (which can happen when you are larger apparently). It was suggested I improve my diet and get more exercise. I told them how physical my job is and how I cook good wholesome real food and I musta told middy's and drs a million times that I didn't live on junk food!
I barely drink alcohol and never did during pregnancy I don't smoke and I don't take drugs.
Despite all this "extra" care and fuss and attending the FMU at canberra hospital my darling Ellen was stillborn at 41 weeks. I was assured by one of the drs that this was not due to my weight. Well thanks, I KNEW that! . I birthed in 3.5 hours and I had a healthy pregnancy. I am fitter than many of the thin people I know as I have a physical outdoor type job.
Yes they discriminate and they are not subtle or pleasant. In some cases I was treated like I was too stupid to understand what was expected to lose weight and treated like I was lazy or lying.
Sorry to tell you the down side.

[ladybirdflies]

I was ABSOLUTELY terribly discriminated against because of my weight during my first pregnancy. I started at a little less than you and was 113kg when I birthed my baby. I was not allowed to birth at the hospital of my choice and had to go to a different hospital. I was treated as a high risk pregnancy which seriously messed with my head. I was constantly tested for diabetes, and had extra ultrasounds to check bub wasn't too big (which can happen when you are larger apparently). It was suggested I improve my diet and get more exercise. I told them how physical my job is and how I cook good wholesome real food and I musta told middy's and drs a million times that I didn't live on junk food!
I barely drink alcohol and never did during pregnancy I don't smoke and I don't take drugs.
Despite all this "extra" care and fuss and attending the FMU at canberra hospital my darling Ellen was stillborn at 41 weeks. I was assured by one of the drs that this was not due to my weight. Well thanks, I KNEW that! . I birthed in 3.5 hours and I had a healthy pregnancy. I am fitter than many of the thin people I know as I have a physical outdoor type job.
Yes they discriminate and they are not subtle or pleasant. In some cases I was treated like I was too stupid to understand what was expected to lose weight and treated like I was lazy or lying.
Sorry to tell you the down side.

THat is intense Kateo.... anything i could say seems too small to cover it, so just wanted you to know I read that, and it moved me.

[*Ali*]

I haven't felt discriminated as such, but I have had to own the situation IYKWIM, alot of hospital have a BMI cut off, so if you are over their cut off you won't be allowed to give birth there, I have had to do the GTT in all 3 pregnancies, I am classed as 'high risk' even though I have have had 2 very normal vaginal births. I have been pro- active though, and I went in on the offensive rather than the defensive, saying I thought it was a good idea to see the hospital dietician and asking what I could do to keep my weight gain low. I think if you go in knowing that there are some limitations placed on woman who are heavier, and be pro-active about it then you feel much better. Unfortunatly it is not a case of what whether it is right or wrong that these limitations are placed on larger woman, it is a case of just accepting what is, and empowering yourself to make the best of the situation.

[saslia]

Never had any comments or problems, stayed 110kg with DD, and actually lost some with DS with ms the whole time. I had an emergency CS with DD and an elective one with DS.

[Fleur]

Probably down to the individual hospital / caregivers I guess... I was 110 when I fell PG, I was weighed at my initial appt & again at my 41 week appt & not in between
My weight wasn't mentioned once & I had a successful VBAC.

ETA - actually, the Dr I saw at my 41 week appt was on the phone to someone asking a question, I can't remember about what now & he mentioned my BMI to them (it was over 40 I think). That was the only time I even had a hint that anyone thought it might be a problem.

ITA with the others, don't put up with any rude treatment. Myself, I would be happy to hear constructive advice or instructions, but no-one should make you feel crappy.

[Mum2Romone]

I think they'll only say something if they are worried you are putting on too much weight too quickly in pregnancy for the babies sake

if you go in there at a certain weight they can only expect that you'll put on more, I had the opposite problem, they were complaining I was unhealthy for not putting enough on last time

Best of Luck and I'd definately stand up for yourself if they say anything

[Party-of-five]

the only time i felt discriminated was when I was told we couldnt have DD1 at the private hospital here unless i wanted a CS!!! the labour beds where only rated to 120kgs!! that was the reason I was given. I hovered around the 120 mark with DD1.
But I had no problems at all once i moved over to the public and even though with DD2 i was lighter I chose to go public because I'd had such a good experience with DD1.
Try not to let your fears overshadow your excitement