Trying to Conceive in a Plus-Size Body: Veronica’s Story
Trying to conceive in a plus-size body is a journey that so many people go through—yet so few talk about openly. In this heartfelt episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast, I’m joined by Veronica, a wonderful member of the Plus Mommy community, to have a truly vulnerable and important conversation about what it’s like to navigate fertility, loss, and healthcare bias as a plus size person.
Veronica shares her trying to conceive (TTC) journey with honesty and strength. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, anxious, or unsupported while trying to conceive in a plus size body—this episode is for you.
The Emotional Roller Coaster of TTC
Veronica and her husband made the decision to grow their family in their early 30s, knowing there could be obstacles ahead.
Like many couples, they went into the experience with hope and excitement—but quickly found themselves navigating the complex emotions of monthly disappointment and the pressure of age.
And yes, we talked about that stat—how many of us have heard “it gets harder after 35.” It’s true that fertility shifts over time, but that looming number can make you feel like you’re racing against the clock.
And when you add in the reality of trying to conceive in a plus size body, there’s often even more pressure and anxiety layered on.
“We were just trying so hard to make sure we were hitting the right days,” Veronica shared. “After a few months, it really started to feel like a chore.”
TTC Tip: You are not alone if you find that the spark of intimacy gets replaced with ovulation trackers and calendars. It’s okay to acknowledge that and take breaks when needed.
Facing Pregnancy Loss and the Weight of Self-Blame
After nearly nine months of trying, Veronica saw a positive pregnancy test, only to experience an early miscarriage.
It was heartbreaking. Like so many people who experience pregnancy loss, Veronica wrestled with blaming herself.
“Was it my fault because I’m in a bigger body?” she wondered aloud.
This is such a common and painful feeling for people trying to conceive in a plus size body. I’ve been there too. But we have to keep reminding ourselves—miscarriage happens to people of all sizes. One in four pregnancies end in loss, and most of the time, we’ll never know why.
Here’s a helpful article: Navigating Miscarriage and Self-Blame as a Plus-Size Individual
Avoiding the Doctor Out of Fear of Weight Bias
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was when Veronica shared why she didn’t seek medical support at the start of her fertility journey. The fear of being told to lose weight—or being dismissed altogether—kept her from booking an appointment.
“That would take the excitement out of the journey,” she said.
I hear this all the time. When you’re trying to conceive in a plus size body, the last thing you need is a provider who treats your body like a barrier instead of a vessel full of potential.
TTC Tip: If you’re not ready to see a doctor, that’s okay. But when you are, seek out size-friendly providers. Ask if they have large blood pressure cuffs, gowns, and seating—and if they are willing to support you without weight loss being the focus. Want even more tips? See our free guide from Plus Size Birth with tips on connecting with a size-friendly care provider.
What Care Providers Need to Hear
Veronica offered a clear message to healthcare professionals, especially those working in fertility and reproductive health:
“Hear me out first. Don’t make my weight the first and only thing you want to talk about.”
When care providers lead with weight bias, it creates shame and drives people away from getting the support they deserve. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Listening, asking consent before discussing weight, and creating a welcoming environment can make all the difference.
Tip for Providers: Want to reduce weight stigma in your practice? Ask patients if they’d like to be weighed. Ask permission to discuss nutrition or physical activity. Treat every patient as a whole person, not a number on a scale. Learn even more by taking our size-inclusivity maternity training.
Pressing Pause—and Giving Yourself Grace
After their loss, Veronica and her husband made the incredibly self-aware decision to take a pause on trying.
It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.
“It’s so good for your mental health,” Veronica shared. “Don’t feel bad if the pause ends up being longer than expected. It just means you needed that time.”
TTC Tip: Pausing isn’t giving up. It’s honoring your emotional needs. And sometimes, that space can be a powerful step toward healing.
Final Thoughts
Trying to conceive in a plus size body can be joyful, messy, empowering, and hard—all at once. Veronica’s story is a reminder that you are not alone, and your experience is valid.
Whether you’re actively trying, taking a break, or simply thinking about the future, I hope this episode leaves you feeling seen, supported, and hopeful.
Veronica, thank you for your vulnerability and your voice. And to every person out there trying to conceive in a plus size body—you are not alone, and you deserve compassionate, respectful care.
Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 236
Transcript happily provided upon request.
- Follow Veronica on Instagram: @veewelker_21
- 8 Strategies to Mitigate Weight Bias in Healthcare – Study Mentioned (Interview with Nurse Midwife Elizabeth Muñoz)
- Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols
Searching for more support? See all of our TTC in a plus size body resources over on Plus Size Birth.
This episode is brought to you by the Size-Friendly Birth Course—an online training for birth and postpartum professionals ready to provide size-inclusive care for people in larger bodies.
You’ll get:
- 🎥 Over 6 hours of video lessons
- 📘 A 115-page editable PDF workbook with guided activities
- 🕒 6 contact hours for professional development
- 📜 A certificate of completion
- 🌐 Bonus: Access to the Plus Size Birth Circle—our exclusive online platfor
