For maternity professionals and parents there are constantly new resources being produced, whether books, articles or podcasts. Occasionally we would like to share these resources. Dianne Garland, Freelance Midwifery Consultant, shares a recent review of a book around Plus Size Pregnancy by Dr Sara Wickham. If you would like to contribute a review please let us know!
As with Sara’s other books there is a great balance between absolute and perceived risk within maternity services for women of plus size. Whilst guidelines should be based on evidence, they are not always based on actual evidence, but outdated and unevidenced myths, opinions and assumptions.
A powerful introduction which assists practitioners and mothers, to negotiate and often challenge care and interventions which occur during labour and birth. Sara takes us through a journey of conditions from pre eclampsia, diabetes and preterm labour.
These pages may assist professionals and parents in determining whether care being offered (Sara stresses the word offered) is evidence based, speculative, association or indeed even causation.
There is also a short but valuable page regarding the myth of “the fat vagina” and its effect on dystocia. Researchers back in 1997 speculated about this association. However, this is not evidence based nor shown to have the slightest basis in fact.
I highly recommend this book for us to re evaluate the way information is shared with women. This could lead to women feeling more empowered in choosing their carer, place of birth and choices offered.
Plus size pregnancy by Dr Sara Wickham, Birthmoon creations 2023.
Dianne Garland FRCM SRN RM ADM PGCEA MSc
Freelance Midwifery Consultant
This review was previously printed in Midwifery Today journal