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

M.D. Cornelia van der Ziel M.D. (Author), Jacqueline Tourville (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 24, 2006

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 a warm, witty, medically-sound guide for overweight women who want the skinny on what to expect from pregnancy and childbirth. They answer all the questions pregnant moms may have, including: Is my pregnancy doomed to be difficult because I'm overweight? How can I find a sympathetic doctor? Am I destined for a c-section because of my extra pounds? Are there special medical risks to my unborn child? Where can I find maternity clothes in extra-large sizes? A unique combination of impeccable medical advice, fun, and down-to-earth charm, Big, Beautiful and Pregnant provides plus-size pregnant women with information, inspiration, a sense of sisterhood, and reassurance that they can have a healthy and happy pregnancy.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Cornelia van der Ziel, M.D., is a highly sought-after obstetrican in private practice who specializes in plus-size and high-risk pregnancy. Currently a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Harvard Medical School, she lives in Boston.

Jacqueline Tourville is a childbirth professional who gives plus-size seminars at hospitals, schools, birthing centers, and numerous other venues. A plus-size woman herself, Tourville lived the big, beautiful and pregnant experience and gave birth to a healthy baby girl in 2002. She lives with her family in New Hampshire.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; 1 edition (May 24, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569243190
• ISBN-13: 978-1569243190
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #474,205 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Help and encouragement for plus-sized pregnant women, September 16, 2006

By 

Rhea Mc (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Big, Beautiful, and Pregnant: Expert Advice and Comforting Wisdom for the Expecting Plus-Size Woman (Paperback)

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!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Baby #1 or Baby #4, this is a must read for large women!, December 28, 2006

By 

Gina Ritter "NaturalFamilyOnline.com" (New Yorker in California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Big, Beautiful, and Pregnant: Expert Advice and Comforting Wisdom for the Expecting Plus-Size Woman (Paperback)

I am glad that I purchased this book - if for nothing else than to support writers and publishers trying to reach the quite large crowd of ... ahem... large, pregnant women!

We're trying to conceive number 4 after a 5 year break from having babies. I am bigger than ever and for the first time I am having a hard time conceiving. I am also anxiety riddled by the thought of getting pregnant and having my obesity affect the pregnancy.

Thanks to this book, I am not scared. YES there are some extra things to consider. YES I may have to lose a few pounds if I am not regularly ovulating. But NO I shouldn't stop my dream of a fourth and final child because I am large. THANKS to this book, I now 5have a better understanding of the things I should worry about, the statistics, and the diet I should consume.

While there is a lot of info in this book that's also found in general pregnancy books, I do think that a large woman should have one that discusses in detail every aspect of pregnancy from the large-woman's viewpoint. So I do recommend this book!

No matter whether you're mainstream or more natural-minded, large or not, I highly recommend The Natural Pregnancy Book: Herbs, Nutrition and Other Holistic Choices by Aviva Jill Romm as well as her postpartum book. They're meant for everyone, not just "natural" parents.

And please do yourself a favor and DON'T order that Pregnancy Week By Week book! You don't need the extra fear it instills when you're worried enough about your pregnancy.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for Plus sized women & prenatal care providers, June 6, 2006

By 

Amy H. Jackson (NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Big, Beautiful, and Pregnant: Expert Advice and Comforting Wisdom for the Expecting Plus-Size Woman (Paperback)

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.