Plus Size Pregnancy: What the evidence really says about higher BMI and birth

Brilliant and informative book. As a third year Midwifery student this has been the inspiration for my dissertation research project. I think all students and professionals working within midwifery would benefit from reading this book.

This book has been incredibly helpful in navigating nhs maternity care as fat preggo. I found myself taking it to midwife appointments and referring to it. I’m now on track to have the home birth or midwifery lead unit birth I was so desperate for. This book and the one about induction “in your own time” gave me the facts and the confidence to be able to advocate for myself. I’m 100% sure without this and some of the other books I’ve been reading I’d have been coerced into a medicalised labour ward birth. There’s still plenty time for things to change but I feel like now if I need to have a labour ward birth it will be because something has changed and it is medically necessary not “just in case” because of my bmi at booking.Our pregnancy was a little surprise after infertility. So one thing I would say is I wish I got this book way sooner, the anxiety it would’ve saved.

It is wonderful to read such a deep dive into the evidence, and such an informed and unbiased explanation of the evidence, from someone so qualified to explain it. This is true empowerment for pregnant people. Thank you for yet another brilliant book - a must-read for anyone who is plus-size and pregnant, as well as for anyone who supports people in pregnancy 👍

Once again Sara has used her midwifery and research expertise to produce a book which highlights the pathways that pregnant women and birthing people are diverted down purely based on their BMI. She has scoured the available evidence (or lack of it ! ) and has demonstrated that the routine monitoring, anaesthetic appointments in pregnancy, and restriction in having a water birth in a midwifery setting, along with a host of other interventions, is undermining confidence and stigmatising women who live in a larger body, subsequently leading to a poor birth experience. Sara has once again shone a light on the medicalisation of pregnancy and the impact it is having. I am a super fan of Sara and have found her entire series of books to be foundational in my independent birth planning sessions with families.

Fantastic book! I highly recommend this book and all Sara's books for pregnant people and birth workers! Breaks down the evidence so it is understandable. Its a must!

Excellent resource which enables parents to make informed decisions and educate the professionals who support them.

From my wife- Such an interesting and informative book, truly filled with so much useful knowledge. It provides clarification on so many topics that have been confusing due to health care provider language and agendas. Thank you for providing this book, I feel lucky to have it during my (plus size) pregnancy to help me make informed decisions

Easy to read, giving all the information you need, either as a woman giving birth or as a professional support women in their decision making.

This book was recommended by my midwife given the bias I faced as a pregnant person in a bigger body. It critically examines medical "facts" around pregnancy in bigger bodies and the bias of the research. Very enlightening and much needed!

I’m plus size and have been since I was a child. I have experienced fat bias and judgment in all my maternity care and so wish I would’ve had this years ago. Thank you Sara for this gem. I love the breakdown of the facts and it’s helping me overcome my own shame I have felt around my body. Must read for those who are plus size

Plus Size Pregnancy was a great read. Sara has clearly done detailed research before putting pen to paper to be sure she is across all the issues women with bigger bodies encounter in maternity care. There's plenty of detail and lots of references for readers who want to explore the evidence for themselves. Sara explains the important points from each study in simple language so all the information in the book is just as accessible for people who just want the information.The book is comprehensive and follows a logical order through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. There's also no bit of the book that isn't of value.As an obstetrician, I learned new things. It has made me think more deeply about whether some of the issues we typically think of as weight related might instead be related to restrictive dietary practices used in an attempt to lose weight. The book would be useful for anyone working with pregnant women, or who is pregnant themselves.

If you are plus-sized and pregnant, or if you work with plus-sized pregnant women and birthing people, run, do not walk, to your nearest keyboard and order this book. The subtitle promises: "What the evidence really says about higher BMI and birth" and Sara definitely delivers!

Sara’s books help me be a better midwife and I wish they were required reading for every birth worker and pregnant person.