[Whatnow?!]

Hi Ladies,

I'm really not coping with the whole idea of delivery. I am fearful of labour as I know I'm not 'fit' and also worried about having an episiotomy/stitches.

I'm currently 31 weeks pregnant and 148kg! I've put on 12 kg so far and am worried I'll be more than 150kg by the time our little one arrives.

My Obs has said if my bub continues to grow big (was 3 weeks ahead at last scan) then we'll have to consider a C-section. That worries me too... I've never had major surgery and am nervous about the pain afterwards and the recovery period. Also, I'm so huge, my tummy hangs down over my pubic bone , so I would think that would make surgery and recovery difficult...

Anyway, I guess I just need to share my fears and hope that there's someone out there that can relate to my situation.

[eleven]

Hi

I'm in a similar situation to you, not quite as heavy but feeling it... I've had a really easy pregnancy but am also worried about delivery and options. Our baby is measuring big which also concerns me. I'm not sure which would be the easiest and safest option... my obs will do an elective c if I request it... just so unsure.

Hopefully someone with some experience will reply. This is my first so I really don't know what to expect either!

Good luck!

[Jillian_10]

There is a good resource available through this blog: http://wellroundedmama.blogspot.com.au/

eg http://wellroundedmama.blogspot.com.au/201...ns-tale-of.html
http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/
http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/book/com...&compID=125

I would also STRONGLY advise you to get in touch with a womens health physiotherapist who can give you information about strengthening your body to prepare for labour.

[maxsmum1000]

I'll pm you ladies with my experience if you like?

Mara

[eleven]

Yes please Mara!

[Kez82]

I weighed a whopping 160kgs at the end of my pregnancy and DD was 4.26kg at birth. I ended up with an emergency c-section after having pre-eclampsia and not progressing in labour past 3cms after 10 hours.

For me, healing was good. I made sure I got up and moved as soon as I was allowed. I listened carefully to the physio and did exactly what she said. I took pain killers as directed, and made sure I took them on time, never allowing the pain to actually kick in. As for the wound, I used a maternity pad over the top (so there was some padding between where my tummy overhung and where the wound was). I did this for the first 2 weeks or so. The surgeon cut in the groove where the overhang starts, rather than lower for those patients who don't have the apron of skin. My wound healed well. I was good for driving within 4 weeks.

[eleven]

Oh wow! Thanks for that Kez... I imagine my situation could be similar to yours. Did you have a general or epidural? I've heard it can be hard for them to do the epidural on larger ladies... I've only got 9 weeks or less to go and am working myself into a bit of a state about it all!

[knickerless]

I was about 140kgs for the births of both of my babies - for both labours I had just gas and air. I was induced for both after my waters broke but labour didn't start (both times!). Once labour finally started the first was about 12 hours and the second was slightly less. First baby was 9lbs 1oz over 2 weeks early and the second 7lbs 11oz a week early.
First baby had a head circumference off the chart and was born after episiotomy and ventouse. Second baby had a slight tear that I chose not to have stitched (would only have needed one).

Honestly all births are different and it is impossible to predict how you will go! I was petrified of needing a caesar and in reality if I hadn't been in a public hospital under midwife care I probably would have ended up with one.

I do remember how scared I was of something going wrong but everything turned out fine and I am sure it will be the same for you. The one thing I would advise (hopefully this doesn't sound too condescending) is to try and stay as active as possible leading up to the birth as fitness and stamina definitely helped me.

[mumof3kidlets]

I would get a second opinion. i got to about 140kg at the end of 4 pregnancy. My Obs recommended not having c-sections because of the higher risk due to weight. i had 3 natural then 1 c-section. After the natural, well 2 were induced, i was home within 24hrs and the pain was gone. after the c-section i was in hospital for 5 days and the pain was bad for weeks. Having had the two, I would choose natural 100% unless I had no chose. My babies all measured big too, up to 10 weeks bigger. If you choose c-section you can get wound padding in a big roll from chemist, just put it over the wound to help prevent infection. Good luck with you decision.

[Kez82]

I had an epidural - no issues for the anesthetist getting it in