Overview

"Have you been told that your pregnancy is high risk simply because you have a higher BMI? Have you been advised that you need extra tests and interventions, or that you have no choice about where you give birth? Do you feel pressured or scared into following this advice? Are you wondering whether higher BMI actually makes a difference and whether guidelines about higher BMI and birth are truly evidence based? If your answer to any of these questions is ""yes"" then take a deep breath and read on, because this book is going to help you take back control. In Plus Size Pregnancy, trusted researcher and bestselling author Dr Sara Wickham guides you through the evidence about higher BMI and birth, exposing the myths and assumptions, the broader issues, and the science behind what we do and don't know. Discover the eye-opening truth about why BMI is a poor measure of health, and why your size or shape has far less impact on your health than you might think. Access the real data relating to the potential risks of having a higher BMI during pregnancy, birth and beyond. Learn from reliable, clear explanations of the evidence relating to the tests and interventions commonly recommended. Arm yourself with tips on how to advocate for yourself and your baby. Find out the surprising advantages of being larger and learn why some women with a higher BMI might have better outcomes. This inspiring, science-filled book will help you to empower yourself, providing you with the evidence you need to make informed decisions about your pregnancy, birth and beyond."

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9781914465093

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Reviews

"""Another 'must have' book from Sara on an important topic! Sara has widely and deeply researched the evidence about body size in pregnancy and birth, and shares it in an easy-to-understand way. I learned a lot from this book. It addresses the common misconceptions and stigma surrounding 'high BMI' and challenges routine practice. This book is an invaluable resource for any woman navigating the maternity system. It should also be required reading for all care providers and educators."" Dr Rachel Reed, Author and Educator. ""'This is the first book to reliably gather the evidence, dispel the myths and provide safe and practical advice for navigating ""high BMI"" pregnancy care pathways. An absolute must read for pregnant women who've been told their body size impacts their pregnancy, their birth partners and families, and anyone working in the birth world. It will open your mind to the wider issues and harmful impacts of weight stigma and healthcare bias, and also equip you with the knowledge to challenge assumptions and routine practices that more often than not unjustifiably limit choice and undermine individual autonomy. Sara's writing is always so accessible and she draws on a wide and balanced range of evidence. You can easily dip into this book or read it cover to cover. Above all else this book supports pregnant women to make truly informed choices about their pregnancy, birth and beyond.'"" Emma Rose, Lead Midwife. ""This book is superb. It is a much needed publication by just the right author. As with all Sara's books it is meticulously researched from a vast body of relevant research, focuses on the woman and the information and knowledge she needs to make the best decisions for her and her baby and is clear and accessible from start to finish. It will be widely read by women, families and birth workers alike - and rightly so."" Dr Nadine Edwards, Author and Birth Activist. ""We've been waiting for this book: it is a game changer. It has been frustrating to watch pregnant women with a high BMI being treated unhelpfully and often in a critical and punitive way. Health professionals and women can now access the evidence, thanks to this remarkably clear and concise book."" Gill Boden, Psychologist, Educator and Birth Activist."

Author Information

Dr Sara Wickham PhD, RM, MA, PGCert, BA(Hons) is a midwife, educator, writer and researcher who works independently, dividing her working time between speaking, writing, blogging, facilitating workshops, creating resources for midwives, birth workers and women and undertaking a wide variety of consultancy projects and advisory activities.Sara's career has been varied and includes twenty years of experience as a midwife, lecturer and researcher. She is the author/editor of seventeen books, has lectured in more than twenty countries, edited midwifery journals and provides consultancy services for midwifery and health-related organisations around the world.Sara can be found online at www.sarawickham.com, www.facebook.com/saramidwife and www.instagram.com/drsarawickham

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