Um, Can You Use a Vibrator While Pregnant?
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it’s crucial that you buy a scale.
I didnt know my weight, but Ididknow and trust my body, which is what I told him.
Instead of inquiring further, he insisted I start weighing myself.
This ideal is closely related toweight stigmaor bias against people because of their body size.
I acknowledge that as a thin, white woman, I can navigate this system relatively easily.
maternal-fetal subspecialist and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology atUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
But Ive imagined how it would be if I didnt have this privilege.
The experience with my OB/GYN may have beenmuchworse.
But body mass index, orBMI, is a limited(and flawed) measurement.
Chan School of Public Health.
Not everyone in a larger body will develop health conditions as a result.
Weight is only one piece of the larger health puzzle.
It shouldnt be used solely to assess risks of complications in patients.
These women may face additional layers of discrimination and pressure to conform to societys narrow beauty and health standards.
This can lead to a lack of adequate and quality careincreasing the risk of pregnancy complications and even death.
maternal-fetal subspecialist and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology atUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
Dr. Whelan says such hyper-focus on weight can lead to shame or even dangerous consequences for mother and baby.
Such conversations also put those with a history of eating disorders at risk of relapse.
(PSA:You donthaveto be weighed at a doctors visit.)
Plus, shaming people about their weight doesnt even lead to weight loss in most scenarios.
Weight stigma and diet culture also create the assumption that a lower weight is always better.
But an unhealthily low weight can lead to health complications, too.
Here are some approaches Ive found helpful as an expecting mother and weight-inclusive registered dietitian:
1.
Or try resources likeThe Intuitive Eating Workbook.
Scan the initial paperwork you fill out, saysLucy Chapin, CNM, a certified nurse-midwife.
Does it make you feel shame or fear, or overly focus on weight?
And check in with yourself after each appointmentdid your care provider focus intently on weight or weight-related concerns?
If youre left feeling fearful or ashamed, chances are its not the ideal place for you.
Set boundaries and speak up at your appointments
Remember that youre allowed to set boundaries with your care team.
And dont underestimate the power of speaking up.
Talk frankly with them about your concerns regarding weight and size.
Make a list of your questions to ask your provider at each visit.
Continuing that support with online sources is helpful, too.
The bottom line is: Take what feels healthy for you and leave the rest.
reviewed byAndrea Braden, MD, OB/GYN
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