Pregnant at 300lbs..please offer some hope,advice,experiences

Hi Shannon, Congratulations and woohoo! I can't think of anything more special than sharing life and love with your special little blessing inside of you. I had five high risk pregnancies in less than 6 years. I had fibroid issues, diabetes, hypertension and an incompetent (totally dumb) cervix. We lost our first four little ones -- a miscarriage, a still birth and two live births where the babies died shortly after birth. I decided to take no chances with pregnancy No. 5 and I did lots of bed rest. I started that pregnancy at 350 pounds. I ate well, kept still when I had to and gave birth to a ridiculously healthy baby girl. She's large, but not overweight. She's tall, like her daddy, and is shown below enjoying her coffee before WalkAmerica this year. http://members.cox.net/franspencer/images/cc_compare.jpg I believe, I believe! After I had my survivor, I dedicated myself to making sure she had a healthy mommy. She's my motivation and my muse. This baby can be for you, the gift that keeps giving. Onward! Frances (Cecilia Grace's Mommy)

Shannon, I was 353 lbs when I conceived Samantha, mommy's little hellion. LOL. I gained up to 398 lbs the day before her birth. I had very little trouble, except extreme depression and high blood pressure that refused to be controlled. My diabetes was diet controlled though and while I was a high risk and had to see my obgyn every 2 days for ultrasounds and dopplar readings of the baby's heart, everything proceeded fine. Then, six weeks before her due date, my water broke. No reason for it, no labor pains, it just broke. We rushed to the hospital but by then, I'd lost too much fluid to stop it. I never had a labor pain. I was given an epidural after the first 12 hours with no contractions and no pain. They were sure they'd have to do a c-section. They tried inducing to no avail. Sure enough, 36 hours exhausting hours later (still no pain), c-section and out came baby who was wisked off to NICU as a preemie at 4lbs 10ozs. She was fine except a low bilirubin count (jaundice) and got to come home after 3 weeks. She's advanced for her age. Walking, talking, climbing, counting, stacking, responding to Blue's Clues, Sesame Street. She even claps at game shows. I'm just saying, follow the doctor's instructions, eat as healthily as you can, pray, and I'm sure you will have your second little miracle. This one will be my only. Our choice. But if I were going to have a second one, I'd have her before my surgery, just because after surgery, you'll be forcing yourself to eat enough of the right foods. Having her before the surgery, you'll be able to choose the right foods and not stress about getting enough calories to support both of you. Hugs and blessings, Tonya pre-op

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I concieved my daughter at 297# and while I did have gestational diabetes from very early on and was on insulin from 5 weeks pregnant, I actually really enjoyed my pregnancy. I lost about 25 pounds in the first trimester (I don't know why) and only ended up gaining a total of 8 pounds by the time I went into labor on my due date. Within a week or so after giving birth I was down to about 270# but I the weight came back and by the time she was 4 months old I was back at 297# (set point I guess). I was considered high risk because of the diabetes, my weight (BMI of about 50), fibriods and my age (40 when I gave birth). They had planned to induce me at 38 weeks but I refused the induction because she was doing so well in all of the ultrasounds. Sure enough I went into labor on my due date and although my labor was long (37 hours) it was not diffucult and pushing only lasted 40 minutes. Due to the long labor they wanted to give me pitocin to speed things up but again I refused since the baby wasn't in distress. Now she is 17 months old and the love of my life! I wish you all the best! I know you have some complications that I didn't face but I hope my experience can be of help to you. I found a ton of wisdom and support on Ovusoft.com, they make a software program for tracking your fertility a la "Taking Control of your Fertility" the book. I used it to get pregnant and that is how I ended up on the boards there but lots of women post there who didn't use the software and there is a huge body of knowledge about pregnancy there. There is even I high risk forum. Congrats again, Laura

I was 354 when I conceived my son, after three years of infertility issues. Little did I know that I had PCOS. My pregnancy went very well, just as I am hoping yours will be. I tried to go for short walks a couple times a week (but not enough to tire myself out), drank a lot of water, and ate probably healthier than any time in my life. I did gain around 20 pounds but that dropped off as soon as my son was born. The best advice I can give is that if you able to take it easy at work, do so. I also went on maternity leave 4 weeks prior to my due date and did nothing but rest and relax. I really think that helped me get through it. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Find a good OB/GYN. Mine was great. I never felt like she treated me condesendingly because of my weight, and that helped a great deal! Good luck and Congrats!!

21 years ago, I was pregnant with my first child....I started right at 300 lbs and delivered at 329 lbs. Jon was 10 lbs 12 ounces (after deliverly I weighed 299 lbs!!!!)...Not a bit of trouble, but I wasn't ready to deliver and they induced me and I wound up having a c-section. Then 13 years ago, starting at about 300 lbs, I delivered Em, 7 lbs, 7 1/2 ounces - naturally with no pain meds.....Not a bit a trouble with her either.....Not even any morning sickness with either. When Em was born I weighed about 337 lbs....(only lost 19 in delivery, tho!) Keep a good attitude and how much you love this child in your mind. I was so thrilled to be pregnant both times that I literally glowed! Smoochies Arlies

I was about 350 by the time my son was born. I had high blood pressure and gestational diabetes (very poorly controlled, insulin 4 times a day). He was about 3 weeks early, 11 lbs 9 oz, a beautiful healthy boy. I am so thrilled and could not imagine life without him. The first time I was pregnant, I had a vvery mean OB who told me that, at age 18 and 275, there was no way I could carry the baby to term. The baby would be premature, and if it lived, would suffer blindness and lifelong disabilities. He recommended an abortion, told me had never recommended an abortion before, and asked if I would like the receptionist to set up an appointmet. I was horrified and did not go to any doctor for a long time. Finally, at about 6 months, I found a caring, supportive OB and went on the deliver 2 weeks early, a 10 lb 6 ox girl who is now almost 13 with a genius IQ, very bright and successful in school, but she does wear glasses . You are right, children are a blessing, but they are a blessing no matter how they come. In the end, you have to do what is right for you, and I really believe that everything nature does is done with perfection, and all babies are different, but perfect, exactly as they were meant to be. Good luck, whatever you decide. Carrie

Shannon.. Best of luck to you, my dear. I wanted to share with you that I have 3 sons, all born healthy, while I was 300# or greater with each pregnancy. I did not have the pre-existing conditions that you have.. but the weight, in and of itself, should not be an issue with your pregnancy! Good luck! Sandy

Dear Shannon, I have delivered 3 healthy children while weighing between 350-373 pounds. Because obesity in pregnancy catagorizes it as a high risk pregnancy you may be given extra tests that other women may not undergo unless they have a family history of certain conditions. I wish you all the best in your pregnancy and with your WLS! Carol Pryce RNY 2/2/05 373/298/185