Ahlia says her GP ‘laughed in her face’ when she asked for a water birth – and that weight stigma in pregnancy has to stop

The study authors note stigmatisation begins with labelling women at a higher risk of infertility or pregnancy-related complications due to their body size. Photograph: Mary Long/Getty Images

When Ahlia* was waiting to check in for a routine pregnancy appointment, she says a receptionist walked by calling out directions to gestational diabetes education – then looked at her, waiting for Ahlia to follow.

“I’m not here for that,” Ahlia recalls saying in front of the waiting room full of people.