The Doctor’s Startling Revelation to Her Newborn: A Potential Bomb in Your Hand
Obesity and Pregnancy: A Challenging Journey
Özlem Güven Yıldız, a philosophy teacher residing in Alanya, had an unexpected surprise when she discovered she was pregnant with her second child at the age of 34, weighing 156 kilograms. During her prenatal care, Yıldız was strongly advised to terminate the pregnancy due to the risks associated with obesity. However, Yıldız was determined to have her second child and embarked on a thorough research journey on obesity and pregnancy.
In tears, Yıldız sought the help of Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Prof. Selahattin Kumru in Antalya. Despite the elevated risks involved, Kumru and his team decided to proceed with the pregnancy under careful monitoring. Eventually, Yıldız gave birth to a healthy baby boy weighing 3 kilos 540 grams through a cesarean section, even though her weight had reached 172 kilograms. After spending 10 days in neonatal intensive care, both mother and baby were discharged in good health.
Yıldız, brimming with happiness, shared her story and revealed that her first pregnancy had occurred when she was 26 and not as overweight as she was during her second pregnancy. She explained, “We discovered the pregnancy very early, at around 4-5 weeks. My doctor informed me about the high risks involved for both me and the baby, suggesting termination. However, I didn’t want to take that route because there was no guarantee that I would be able to conceive again.”
Yıldız went on to recount her emotional journey, stating, “Then, I reached out to Selahattin Kumru. The first time I called, I couldn’t hold back my tears. My previous doctor had warned me, saying ‘You are gambling with your life, carrying a bomb ready to explode at any moment.’ He explained the risks associated with high blood pressure, sudden infant death, gestational diabetes, and other complications. He did his duty as a physician. After that, I sought the guidance of perinatology. We managed to reach the 35th and 36th weeks, and the delivery was planned accordingly. However, the surgical process was extremely challenging, and I was unable to walk afterwards. It was due to my weight, but Kumru and his team took all necessary precautions.”
Highlighting the difficulties she faced, Yıldız noted that her weight increased from 156 to 172 kilograms during the pregnancy. She expressed her desire to shed the extra weight and return to a healthier range. Yıldız said, “Currently, I weigh 158 kilograms, and I hope to reach double digits within the next 6 months. The entire process was incredibly challenging. There was a risk of embolism, but with the precautions taken, everything went well. Although my baby had difficulties in lung development due to my gestational diabetes, we spent 10 days in the neonatal intensive care unit, and now we are both in good health.”
Yıldız urges overweight expectant mothers to conduct their own research and not solely rely on negative opinions. She stated, “This process should not be concluded solely based on the negative statements of one person. More research needs to be done. We successfully navigated through this situation, thanks to God and our medical team. Although we encountered some difficulties, we were able to overcome them.”
Dr. Selahattin Kumru, the gynecology and obstetrics specialist who assisted Yıldız throughout her pregnancy, emphasized the risks associated with being overweight during pregnancy. He highlighted that it increases the likelihood of complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, poor lung development in the baby, and an increased risk of sudden infant death. Despite these risks, Kumru and his team supported Yıldız’s decision to proceed with the pregnancy and took precautionary measures to minimize complications. He also emphasized the importance of perinatology in managing high-risk pregnancies.
Kumru concluded, “We successfully completed a pregnancy with a weight of 172 kilograms. Perinatology focuses on high-risk pregnancies and specializes in obstetrics. Overweight pregnant women fall within the field of perinatology. If they are monitored by specialists, it significantly improves the chances of positive outcomes. The prevalence of obesity in our country is approximately 25 percent, but extreme cases like morbid obesity are less common.”
This inspiring story showcases the determination and resilience of expectant mothers who face additional challenges due to obesity. It serves as a reminder that with appropriate medical support and determination, it is possible to navigate through a high-risk pregnancy and bring a healthy baby into the world.
