Big, Beautiful, and Pregnant: Expert Advice and Comforting Wisdom for the Expecting Plus-Size Woman

by Cornelia van der Ziel, Jacqueline Tourville, Cornelia van der Ziel MD

Book Overview

Almost half of all pregnant women are overweight in the U.S. today, but there are few places they can turn for reliable information and helpful advice on the special set of challenges they'll face during the nine-month adventure that lies ahead. In Big, Beautiful and Pregnant, Cornelia van der Ziel, a highly sought-after obstetrician who specializes in plus-size pregnancies, and Jacqueline Tourville, a plus-size mom who's lived the experience, offer...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1569243190
• ISBN13: 9781569243190
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Help and encouragement for plus-sized pregnant women

I am pregnant with my first baby and have been worried sick about my weight. I found this book, cowritten by a doctor and a plus-sized mom, to be an excellent resource. It answers my many weight-related health/medical questions, offers encouragement that my pregnancy can be absolutely healthy and successful, and gives me the sense that I have every right to relax and enjoy this special time. Chapter One is a general overview about the kinds of issues plus-size women might face during pregnancy (medical, emotional, nutrition, finding support, etc.). The rest of the book expands on these themes. I especially liked the chapter on prenatal health care and how plus-size women can make sure they are receiving supportive, unbiased care from their ob or midwife. There are many first hand stories from plus-size women in every chapter, but the accounts in this one especially struck a chord with me. The Medical Question and Answer chapter addresses every last weight-related pregnancy question you could ever have. I like that it is divided by trimesters, since it definitely seems like every trimester brings with it a new set of worries. The advice is honest, but at the same time positive and encouraging. You are pointed towards the steps you can take to reduce your risks for experiencing any health problems. Another chapter gives plus-size advice specifically about labor and delivery. If you are looking for an extremely informative book for plus-size pregnancy, look no further. Bottom line -- an enjoyable book that will make you feel better about your pregnancy!

Truly Helpful

The nurse practitioner at my practice recommended this book to me. I am so happy she did. Big, Beautiful and Pregnant is a compassionate , plus-size friendly book that gives great advice about prenatal medical issues, nutrition and exercise, childbirth, postpartum life, and shopping for plus-size maternity clothes. After reading the book I know exactly what to do in order to make this pregnancy a healthy one. I think any plus-size woman can benefit greatly from this book.

Highly recommend this book.

I am 39 years old and found this book to be a wonderful pregnancy resource. The tone is completely encouraging and empowering for a plus-sized woman of any age/weight. As far as prepregnancy info, one chapter outlines common fertility problems plus-sized women may encounter and methods for correcting them. Unlike the previous reviewer, IMO, this chapter was unbiased and informative. The rest of the book dealing with pregnancy, childbirth, etc. is filled with so much good information -- very reassuring and the stories from plus-size women help make the preggo facts come alive. I actually gave it to my midwife to read and she loved the book too. Highly recommend this book. By the way, Jenny Craig is never mentioned! lol

Great book for expectant moms

This is a thorough, upbeat pregnancy book for plus-sized women. The medical advice is easy to understand and very informative.There are lots of practical tips for things you can do to make your pregnancy healthy and to feel good about yourself. The nutrition advice is excellent. Overall, a great read about everything you would ever want to know about plus-sized pregnancy!

Great book for Plus sized women & prenatal care providers

I really enjoyed this book. It hads lots of good info about staying healthy, eating right, & exercising during pregnancy. It also did not beat overweight women up for wanting a child or becoming pregnant. I love the fact that an ob/gyn and a plus-sized mom contributed. The book outlines truthfully the risks of pregnancy to overweight women & their babies, but gives practical ways to minimize the risks. It was upbeat, and a fast, easy read that I will probably return to many times.