--- title: Experiencing Fatphobia after My Miscarriage date: 2022-10-27T20:57:26-04:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-experiencing-fatphobia-after-my-miscarriage" section: "Stories & Conversations" --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Experiencing Fatphobia after My Miscarriage EH shares how their experience with fatphobia in medical systems has increased. Doctors often focus on their weight instead of the problem that they came in for. This was especially frustrating during EH's experience with a miscarriage. ## Transcript **OBOS Today**: So, I wonder if you could tell me a little bit before this process, how did you feel in medical settings before you started to get—before you started trying to get pregnant, what was your experience then? **EH**: That's a great question. I think I have experienced sort of consistent fatphobia, and I started to gain weight after college and so sort of the extent to which I've experienced healthcare that sort of focuses on my weight and not on sort of the parts of my body that I'm in the office to get seen about has sort of increased over the last decade. For example, I had a miscarriage last year and was concerned about some—I'm going to say it, because I'm on Our Bodies Ourselves—I was experiencing some like vaginal discharge, and I was concerned about whether that was like the result of an incomplete miscarriage. And when I went to the doctor at the student health center at KU, I was told to be sure to get my blood pressure and cholesterol checked, and I asked like, does it have anything to do with vaginal discharge? And they said no, but it's something important that you should do. So, right? So, sort of a constant presence of medical advice related to my weight that has actually nothing to do with the condition that I'm presenting with. So, and it turns out I'm—I was okay, but it was you know, coming in, already deeply upset about having had a miscarriage and to be told, right— Like to address something related to my weight instead of what was happening in my reproductive system was pretty awful. ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth) - [ pregnant bodies](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/pregnant-bodies) - [miscarriage](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/miscarriage) - [body positivity](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/body-positivity) - [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations) - [discrimination](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/discrimination) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [Where We StandRead ## Fat Politics and Health at Every Size We hold to the intersectional feminist view that bodies of all shapes and sizes are valid and have beauty. Body-shaming is actively harmful. ![Two white women laughing in an office.](data:image/png;base64,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) We hold to the intersectional feminist view that bodies of all shapes and sizes are valid and have beauty. Body-shaming is actively harmful.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/where-we-stand/where-we-stand-fat-politics-and-health-at-every-size) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure. ![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFx0lEQVRIiV1WTY/kSBF9Eenq7tlZ0IK4gMSB//97OHJCaEewYqenuuzM+HiPg929I1JWqsrleh8R4ciwv3/ZJZGq7qyOzLVyRcy55lprzrVmrlkxO6dqoZYxjWVqEyFIoJzykhdHyYte8pa3bMP/LQGAJF27AAnSiSR9PPP9svfdvvtNEoBNAs5/C7oW33eKJCkSpPTBIbvgDCaD8fyqcz8RdXJtJzIuwe/Av63+uMSGaDrR5YCZmSA7b5jeTZgEETII23faL73sJru7uurc2cUusY1tookOuNnJIZkBsPOOHDARBGgSNp3Wr0iQbHZ3VVdVZWVWRWWwEpXOhtogNwzA7YQ20swgA4GSjDQCDRHbFZZ39O7uPqGjMjKjIipDGdZpKoBucsMwG2anA3cAINGQSyaipRaoTeR70C/tVVWVmRG5ImbE7JiocKaJcJmby4bbsPOjkYCJpgG5aGwjURS5kZRE9onfXafwiBVrxjpiHR3TKjb1MGGYwYePAdvM3E0yOiBspoJcbSxUoVrNjU1JbJ75rMzMzFgRc61jziPnzpjeaSAHgGF2c/kATge4HJDAAF3tXehUlaq37pbUV9W8ByfWWnPNY85HHrtybkw33DYXbuZuGo4rDYDRIMOAXHK2MVGBDGZt7Cb1m/yIfEc/5uPYHznfkPOJPYZRNzjA4docei8kMxMBhwZoanSil3IpcqsqSR9FmZmn/Dn343jsxz2Pu+eUuN1G44XDcLuZeJb8eG8MDjhkamdZJ2opD0VsXUXqAz1jRaw15zH3fX/sj3scryMnjM/9RJNuA/0Mnq/01TMA+FU/BAtM1EIeirlVFsX37EZErDXXOo5j3/f72+M19q+33MdA8ocazucndYF9cUhmZ3ugiXaWUMflIPctM0RlXdGPWGutOY/j2N/2t2+Pr/H2y0vdb7eR+KmfbsxP6hQbJEhzAoar+RBssNCJmqpdcd8qkuJJcOpfax5z7vNx3++/vv0a93/+WF9enj+H/61efugKVqlL7LMBmNlJdqKrCx3qpdyV9y1iScrKiBVrXRlex+PYX/f7z2//+fb65a+FHz8/4vZLxU+d0Z1n+yObdDcTKdb7lepUL/Su+rpFrDNEccVnrrWOOR/z+GW/f73/A7/iX4k/CvnpS8VfuqIrz0bLLprJTORF2ae5UC/1jv73FmtJjMxY15prHmve5/Hzccc34GcUsG9Yv0fmrIyurJNjpAFmLvLi6zwvMcRDzC3WJJmVa81T/lrrWOt1ThwPvF5lfv+G+BMy51nOVVkVNQYANyPZlV3BTjLJFFOaELY1D4qZteIkmHOtI9Z/IrAOfL0I/rtjJbIiK95fmhg+IJq5xLPNdJ3yiyogYdjmPCRm1RWeWDNij3hkIurjBJ9ANKIqsyIzMm55G+Ziu18hqorq6M5mSS1A/uHgJJhzrjUj9iwk0R+NAAAmka2oyorMFbG5Qbq5maTuqlxV0Z1kE5INOLY5d5LVPeNysDIeWWhBT98TLCFo2R2ZK2Mbm5vU5e6S2JUVVVFdvOTfMHybxy4pu1bkXGtFzMzXJmTwF7wYpgDgMw7D4ljVURm5bsMN5DaGO6Rmn5lvZpMC4E8Yf9jW3Cll98w8EzCz3i6CZ3z+M/ILjPiEw38MbdFcmc+xNoepxXEe/eQ5hkR3UaS57Anj8zbn6YCrakVExqwGBQxsz/j0O2AAC8+6+y20BRWVK31zmYo9hpsBejfRLIKCwW+AbWsdkoqM6ohamasbBOAYNzx9Agbwgq3DLTSylVVZCGvThuH0c7ZQi93s8xA2l28G3zImpaKiOqqza5IQYA6/4SbAgQ2j4UwgqezKYlo5htHo13xEoa+JE4LDDK4tc0lIqppVzO74jWBg3CAADit4J1hSsau6zAbMZXJzd8AIaxllAmQGMwBbVwloqltNNhXnCA2DO9wxNuiabBuiPsZVkGgzg0lu5oQLLrngwEXwP47iyZPjxByDAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Living with Congestive Heart Failure TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. ![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,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) TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Difficult Menstrual Cycles CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager. ![Menstruation](data:image/png;base64,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) CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-menstruation-cb) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## It Was Like Somebody Turned on a Faucet CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts. ![Period Blood](data:image/png;base64,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) CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/living-with-irregular-menstrual-cycles) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## My Changing Body Image LL talks about how her skin condition, and her involvement in theatre in high school, both affected her body image. ![Lauren](data:image/png;base64,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) LL talks about how her skin condition, and her involvement in theatre in high school, both affected her body image.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-my-changing-body-image) [ResourcesRead ## Finding an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Long-Term Care Community A guide for people seeking inclusive long-term care for LGBTQ+ elders. ![Georg arthur pflueger elder care unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) A guide for people seeking inclusive long-term care for LGBTQ+ elders.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-guide-to-finding-an-lgbtqia-inclusive-long-term-care-community) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Contraception Side Effects MT shares her experience using birth control to treat heavy, painful periods. She addresses problems with the first birth control pill that she tried. ![My Story- Dealing With Contraception Side Effects](data:image/png;base64,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) MT shares her experience using birth control to treat heavy, painful periods. She addresses problems with the first birth control pill that she tried.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-contraception-side-effects)