24 | Sophia - Bariatric Surgery, Marginal Chord Insertion, Smooth Labor & Vaginal Delivery

This week's episode of Bigger Than Birth is a first for us — due to the nature of her work, our guest asked to share her story anonymously. We've changed her name to Sophia and won't be sharing video for this episode, but she felt it was important to speak up anyway, because stories like hers don't get told enough. Sophia got pregnant on her very first cycle of trying, at 35, despite carrying years of stigma that her size would make conceiving harder. She's also had bariatric surgery, and shares how that shaped her prenatal care — from modified gestational diabetes testing to a few extra ultrasounds to monitor a marginal cord insertion, a placental condition that can affect a baby's growth. Her pregnancy came with intense, near-constant nausea, but was otherwise smooth — and her labor and delivery genuinely surprised her: a fast labor at home, a tense wait for an epidural during a hospital emergency, and just thirty minutes of pushing. Sophia also opens up honestly about the postpartum period — the baby blues, the guilt that came with them, and her decision to start medication for postpartum anxiety after being upfront with her doctor at her two-week checkup. She talks through her recovery from a second-degree perineal tear, her choice to go straight to formula, and why she believes plus size women deserve to hear more stories like hers: healthy, joyful pregnancies after 35, free of the complications so often assumed to come with size. This episode is a reminder that plus size pregnancy, geriatric pregnancy, and pregnancy after bariatric surgery can all be smooth, supported journeys — and that asking for help postpartum is nothing to be ashamed of. **Resources Mentioned:** - Plus Size Pregnancy and Beyond — Facebook support group for plus size moms during pregnancy and postpartum - **Connect With Us:** - TikTok - Instagram - Facebook - YouTube If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter. Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.