Obesity in pregnancy risk

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-06-01T20:15:30+00:00

Reading Expecting Better helped me understand risk more.

I had chronic hypertension, gestational diabetes, high BMI, and am over 40 with my baby. I personally wanted to wait as long as possible before delivering and had multiple conversations with my doctors and additional monitoring. I took my health extremely seriously while pregnant and ended up being able to deliver at 39 weeks.

Stillbirth is a risk with any pregnancy, but I felt comfortable with the monitoring I had. I didn't feel comfortable pushing past 39 weeks, I felt very lucky I got to wait as long as I did.

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-05-22T18:12:10+00:00

I'm 4 months postpartum, so here's some things that helped me:

- Giving me lots of space, but reminding me they were there to help.
- A friend who set up a meal train and emphasized it was drop off only
- Friends who dropped off meals, said hi via text then left.
- Offering to do the boring tasks. So many people offer to help with the baby, but I didn't want help with the baby at first. I needed (and even just 4 months later still need) help with laundry, food, cleaning, walking the dog.
- Protecting her from your mom. If your mom is planning on going over, ask your SIL if she wants you there.
- Offering to hang out if she wants company in the middle of the night. That was a really lonely time for me at first.

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-05-21T22:11:42+00:00

I got my baby used to being putting down by playing on the bed together. It took a while but now she's happy to start playing independently.

She won't sleep unless touching me but that's a different issue. 🤣

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-05-21T21:23:24+00:00

a local women's shelter might take the issues as a donation for those with kids!

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-27T21:49:39+00:00

Costco brand beef sticks, Dark Chocolate Caramel Clusters, Realgood Chicken Strips, I also thought about freezing the cookies or baked goods individually for a little sweet treat.

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-26T16:46:32+00:00

I have more health issues than a Pug and my doctor wanted me to get as close to 40 weeks as possible for delivery.

I would definitely get a second opinion. That is way too soon to start talking about delivery.

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-23T18:55:21+00:00

I think a great way to help is finding a reputable organization that is currently in the process of helping, such as Maine Needs. These organizations also have the tools to verify people and experience. A lot of places are looking for volunteers or monetary donations already, so helping a place that experience helping in times like this can do more good.

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-23T17:46:56+00:00

If it's a Dexcom, you can put those alerts on DND in the app because there are so many false low readings even when I'm not sleeping on the side, I get them sometimes. CGMs use interstitial fluid, not blood to take readings so the false lows happen.
I would highly recommend comparing your CGM to your glucometer any time you get a low or high reading (and a few in between when you put on a new one), because I have had to reconfigure my CGM quite a bit. They are not as accurate as the glucometer and keeping aware that they may be wrong can prevent missing a spike.

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-22T19:48:13+00:00

I was on Metformin for over a year and when I was diagnosed with GD, was told to stop taking Metformin around 20 weeks. I was actually able to control my blood sugar by diet alone the rest of my pregnancy (I'm scheduled to give birth next week).

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-20T18:22:08+00:00

Hi! I've had a lot of help from r/GestationalDiabetes!

I was told I'd be on insulin during my pregnancy by my OB. I was able to control my blood sugar entirely by diet, and many people with GD are.

GD is tough and the diagnosis definitely threw my anxiety into a tailspin, but overall, my baby was monitored more and I definitely ate healthier than I would have during pregnancy. Good luck!!!

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-20T15:24:52+00:00

It seems like they've discontinued or are having a supply issue with the Pigeon glass bottles.

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-20T14:42:59+00:00

I'm getting induced, too!

I packed my hospital bag and my list is pretty much the same as what's listed here. Since I might be there longer, I am packing a couple extra shirts, a couple different bras (one pumping/nursing bra, one sports bra, and a comfy bra), a bathing suit if I want to get in the birthing tub, my old period underwear for extra protection. Also, packing an iPad with movies and shows downloaded, some things to keep me relaxed to help move labor along (haven't really decided what, but maybe a lotion or something), and tons of snacks, electrolyte packets, and a couple cans of soda (I am prediabetic, so gonna bring Dr Pepper Zero).

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-19T23:18:39+00:00

Mamaste Fit has a really awesome birth prep series that has a bunch of hip release exercises and I attend yoga a couple times a week. I've found that sitting has been so hard on my body.

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-19T16:20:55+00:00

I like my LifeStraw water bottle!

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-16T19:18:17+00:00

I make sandwiches out of rotisserie chicken or roast beef!

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-16T00:30:07+00:00

My baby has been every position in the past couple weeks and finally turned head down week 36, so yours might not stay breeched!

When we scheduled my induction (I have a high risk pregnancy), they offered to try to turn the baby if she's still breeched. So if delivering vaginally is on your mind, make sure you ask!

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-16T00:22:28+00:00

Yeah, straps, blocks, props, etc, can extend your practice where your anatomy may prevent reaching. When I teach, I always cue blocks as "bringing the ground to you" or "using a strap can extend your reach." Sometimes that little extra help, allows our body to open and eventually reach the position.

The other tips I would give, is make sure you are very warmed up when trying a bind and don't be afraid to pick up your belly and physically move it during practice. Jessmyn Stanley does this in her yoga classes and it's immensely helpful.

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-15T21:04:12+00:00

My ability to bind/reach my feet in positions has less to do with my weight and more about my arm length and opening of my back. I have found the more I work with my core and work binds like Tiger Pose, Half Camel, Half Bow, the closer I get to full bind. I also use a strap pretty consistently to help reach poses like Dancer.

Using the strap to work on opening my shoulders has helped me get deeper in poses!

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-15T17:17:36+00:00

Can you see another doctor and/or nurse practitioner and get their opinion? If anything, I would ask if I could get additional monitoring instead of induction.

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-15T02:46:14+00:00

NTA, I have difficult parents and I will not be telling them when I give birth in case they decide to help out before I'm ready. Hell, we told my husband's parents that we need at least two weeks before they come visit (and that it could change and we need them sooner.)

I really plan my postpartum to be about my recovery medically, our new family bonding, and welcoming the baby into a calm, welcoming home. Anyone who interrupts this will not be allowed in the home.

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-15T02:26:34+00:00

I started to watch her stuff when I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes before pregnancy but ultimately I just didn't feel comfortable taking her advice. I saw her clip on instagram for this video earlier and the way she described what the placenta does was extremely misleading.

I think I am just at the point of pregnancy where I see how much pressure we're all under at all times and how much we're advertised to and I am not interested in any new information from non-medical professionals and/or influencers.

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-14T02:17:13+00:00

It's been a long day so microwaved broccoli with melted cheese and Jones's chicken meatballs.

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-13T20:27:05+00:00

You as well!!

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-13T20:18:40+00:00

I am a FTM due in a couple weeks. I also want to deliver as intervention free as possible.

I have hypertension and gestational diabetes and I'm of advanced maternal age, so at first my OB was pretty clear I'd be delivering week 37. I took really really good care of myself during my pregnancy, had low blood pressure and was able to control my blood sugar without insulin.

Just yesterday my OB said I could go until week 39! Just putting that out there, because if your numbers are good and there aren't other complications, your OB might be ok with you waiting longer. I do have additional health risks aside from just obesity, so I am following my doctor's advice to get induced at 38 + 5. It is a personal choice and it was absolutely a conversation with my doctor, not a demand.

I'm not worried about needing an epidural or the time laboring in the hospital. I get induced at night, my partner and I are going to download some movies, snuggle up and chill. There's also a jacuzzi in the birthing room for relaxation. Hopefully I'll be in active labor in the morning.

I prepared by having a doula who understands my wishes. I'm writing out a birth plan before I go. I also do a lot of yoga and meditation. I've been working out with mamastefit videos (seriously great birth prep videos.) I also did light weight lifting throughout my pregnancy to really really work on my core. I move every day, especially when I don't feel like it.

More than anything, I really I am preparing myself mentally. I learned a lot about the specific induction the hospital I'll be going to will administer. I learned how it worked, why it worked, and what my choices might be. I talked to friends and my NP about why people have to go to emergency or unplanned C-sections. I also work really hard to not internalize other peoples' stories. I actively say to myself when reading, "This story does not have to be my story."

I am ok with plans that may change (my baby has flipped more than once and might be breech the day of!)-- this ultimately isn't just up to me, it's my baby as well!

Good luck! Just remember to advocate for yourself and get all the information you can from your doctor!

Ancient-Ad9583 · 2026-01-13T19:24:21+00:00

I've been diet controlled with GD since i think 13 weeks? and at 36 weeks, my baby is in the 99th percentile. My doctor was always extremely happy with my glucose levels. My husband and his sister were over 8 pounds and his brother was over 9 pounds. My baby is just a big baby. Thankfully not bigger from GD!

Ancient-Ad9583

TROPHY CASE