Weight gain is one method to measure pregnancy health. It’s not the only way. Like everything else, being weighed is optional. You can set boundaries around being weighed or decline altogether.  

For many women, weigh-ins are a source of anxiety, regardless of their size. Society is filled with preconceived ideas about weight and a lot of people have past trauma or shame related to the number on the scale. That can stem from negative body image issues, being stigmatized due to weight, a history of disordered eating or body dysmorphia. For vulnerable people, the act of being weighed and hearing the number can significantly set back their recovery or treatment. 

I recommend speaking with your medical care provider about being weighed and employing shared decision making. Ask if it’s a routine part of care or if there’s a specific medical reason. If the “medical reason” is pregnancy, you could ask for more specific reasons. Use that information to decide if you agree to do weigh-ins at every appointment, do them differently than the usual, or skip them.  

Here are some tips for navigating weigh-ins:

1. Share Concerns: Talk to your medical care provider about any anxieties or discomfort you may have regarding weighing. Ask questions and decide what’s best for you. 

2. Say No Thank You: Remember, being weighed is always optional, including during pregnancy. It’s okay to decline if you’re not comfortable.

3. Less Frequent Weigh-Ins: If frequent weigh-ins are causing stress, discuss a modified schedule of being weighed less frequently than at each appointment.

4. Learn Total Weight Gained Only: For some people, it’s the total number that concerns them more than their pregnancy related change in weight. Request to learn the total amount of weight gained and not be told your current weight. 

5. Do It at Home: If you prefer, you can weigh yourself at home and report the results at your prenatal appointments.

6. Stand on Scale Backwards: If seeing the number causes stress, ask to face away from the display during the weigh-in. Be clear that you do not want to be told the number. (You may also ask for the weight to be blocked out on your copy of your prenatal records, if you are worried about accidentally or intentionally seeing it.)

7. Tell Staff to Not Say It Out Loud: This prevents you and others from learning your weight, and maintains your privacy.

8. Ask for Privacy: If the scale is in a public area, request to be weighed in a private space if that makes you more comfortable. You can also incorporate any of the above strategies. (Yes, one of my clients just told me her doctor’s office has the scale in the waiting room!)

9. Change medical care providers: Hopefully you can come to an agreement that feels good to you. If you are not treated respectfully, then changing to another medical practice is usually an option. 

Your health journey is personal and deserves individualized support. This is one of many choices you can make through your pregnancy journey. Although such conversations can be difficult, it’s important to advocate for your comfort and well-being every step of the way.