Just after my Cesarean section for my first child, my OBGYN, an exceptionally skilled and warm-hearted physician with a charming French accent, leaned in close. With a reassuring smile, she said, “Don’t worry, the incision is very low. You’ll be able to wear a bikini.” I couldn’t help but chuckle, “What would I have done if I couldn’t wear my bikini!?” I then replied, “Doctor, you knew me before I was pregnant. I wasn’t wearing a bikini then, and I certainly won’t be after.”
Before contemplating pregnancy, I was a size 22/24, and I recognized that carrying a baby at that size posed significant health risks. I dedicated myself to losing weight, joining a program that helped me shed 42 pounds. Even after this loss, I still found myself in the overweight category at a size 16/18. I arrived at my first OB appointment filled with excitement about expanding our family, only to have that joy dampened by the doctor’s immediate recommendation: “Due to your pre-pregnancy weight, we advise you to gain no more than 10-15 pounds during your pregnancy.” My excitement quickly deflated.
During my pregnancy, I found myself craving brownie sundaes, indulging in a modest portion each day. While I maintained a healthy diet most of the time, my OB, a petite woman who struggled to reach a proper examination position, suggested, “Why not just have a bite of a brownie?” I responded, “I’m trying my best, but I’m going to have a brownie if I want one.” “What about just an eighth of a brownie?” she countered. Who eats an eighth of a brownie?
In my second trimester, my husband and I took to mall walking to stay active. As we strolled, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in a Victoria’s Secret window, and I thought, “I’m gigantic!” At five and a half months pregnant, rather than sporting a cute baby bump, I felt more like a waddling trash bag. It wasn’t until seven months along that I finally started to show. At work, it was clear to my co-workers that I was simply indulging in frequent dessert dates with Ben & Jerry.
Fast forward to a sweltering August, I was 40 weeks pregnant and waddling through the grocery store for a family picnic. A woman approached me with pity in her eyes: “Oh, Honey, you look so uncomfortable. I remember when I was pregnant with twins.” I broke down, sobbing in the condiment aisle, “There’s only one in there. I’m just fat and pregnant!” My husband rushed to apologize as the woman fled.
Sure, I may have overreacted slightly, but I was exhausted and overheated. It was the second time that day someone assumed I was carrying twins. Despite warnings about weight-related pregnancy complications, my experience was relatively uneventful. I witnessed friends struggling with infertility while I became pregnant effortlessly. I saw colleagues face gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, yet I managed to avoid these issues. Admittedly, I did go eight days past my due date and had a Cesarean section, but my recovery was swift and uncomplicated.
My son was born weighing 8 pounds 15 ounces, a healthy baby with adorable rolls. The next morning, I eagerly stepped on the scale, anticipating a significant weight loss from the baby, amniotic fluid, and placenta. To my shock, I had gained two pounds instead. The IV fluids had transformed me into the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man.
Ultimately, all three of my children arrived as delightful little bundles of joy. Contrary to the stereotype, being a larger mother can lead to larger babies, who often sleep through the night faster. By nine weeks, all three of my babies were sleeping twelve-hour stretches. Now, even though I still look six months pregnant seven months postpartum, my little girl is happily resting in her crib while I enjoy a well-deserved full night’s sleep.
And honestly, that feels far better than being skinny ever could.
For those navigating the journey of pregnancy, consider exploring resources like the excellent podcast on IVF and fertility preservation from the Cleveland Clinic, which offers insights into this process. If you’re interested in enhancing fertility, check out our article on fertility supplements. Also, for those looking into home insemination options, visit the at-home insemination kit page to learn more about the available tools.
Summary:
This article reflects on the experience of being pregnant while overweight, detailing the emotional and physical challenges faced. The author shares personal anecdotes about cravings, societal perceptions, and the journey of motherhood, ultimately finding fulfillment and joy in her children. For further guidance on fertility and home insemination, resources are provided for readers interested in these topics.
Keyphrase: pregnancy and overweight
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]