You’re pregnant, but no one can tell you’re pregnant. This is probably one of the most upsetting things for a woman during her plus size pregnancy. Your tummy is growing and people are giving you looks that many people give to very heavy people. You just want to scream that your tummy isn’t usually this big and that you are pregnant!

Being pregnant and plus size does increase your health risks. You cannot be obese and healthy. This does not mean you can’t be curvy and healthy. The common way to measure your weight is by using the body mass index (BMI). You can calculate this by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. A healthy weight is considered to be between 18.5 and 24.9 when using the BMI. You are considered overweight if you come out with a number between 25.0 and 29.9. If you have a BMI of 30.0 to 39.9 you are considered to be obese. Morbidly obese is if your BMI reaches 40.0 or more.

A recent study found that during pregnancy, obese women have a higher risk of hypertension, miscarriage, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Having gestational diabetes increases your chances of having a bigger baby, making you more likely to have a caesarean section. The chances of a caesarean are also increased if you have preeclampsia and hypertension. If your blood pressure rises during delivery, you could suffer a stroke and also decrease the blood supply to your baby. To prevent any of these scenarios, the doctor will perform a caesarean. The problem is that a caesarean can be complicated if the woman is obese. If a heavy woman needs to be moved in an emergency, this can create a big problem. By having a lot of fat underneath the skin, it is difficult for the doctors to find veins for an intravenous line and also for the anaesthetist to get the correct placement for the spinal anaesthesia.

The risks are not only for the mother, your baby faces risks too. There is a greater chance of your baby being stillborn. The chance of neural tube defects is also increased, which might be due to poor nutrition. If you are not eating healthy and are eating a lot of empty calories, you can be malnourished even if you are obese. Your child is also at a higher risk of suffering from childhood obesity.

Finding out you are pregnant, might just be the incentive you need to change your lifestyle to one that is healthier. You should consult your doctor before embarking on a new exercise or eating regime. If you are not used to exercising, you should start off very slowly. Walking is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get active. Invest in a good pair of walking shoes and set out 15-20 minutes each day to get you started. Start off walking an area where the terrain is flat. After a few weeks when you are feeling fitter, you can increase your pace and then your distance as the time goes by and your fitness increases. You can progress to walk areas where there is an incline. In most pregnancies, it is safe to walk 20-30 minutes each day throughout your pregnancy. There are exceptions though and you need to consult your doctor to make sure it is safe for you.

Your doctor will be able to help you work out a healthy eating plan. By incorporating a healthy eating plan and going for regular walks, you will improve your health and that of your baby’s. The most important thing is that you feel happy and healthy and you give your baby the best possible start in life.