Two friends from Tampere face motherhood struggles linked to obesity

Two friends from Tampere, Tea Korhonen, 34, and Niina Hanhioja, 33, are facing fears of never becoming mothers due to their weight. Korhonen believes her struggles in finding a partner are linked to her obesity. Both share a passion for the music of Antti Tuisku and the painful experience of unintentional infertility. Hanhioja, currently in a relationship, has been pregnant three times, yet each pregnancy ended in miscarriage, with no explanations found aside from weight issues.

Meanwhile, Korhonen dreams of becoming a mother through single parenthood but hesitates to discuss her aspirations with healthcare providers due to worries about being dismissed because of her weight. Recent research from the University of Helsinki indicates that significant obesity during early pregnancy can lead to metabolic disorders, which may also affect newborns. Presently, one in five Finnish women starts their pregnancy with significant overweight, elevating risks for complications such as gestational hypertension and fetal overgrowth.

Healthcare professionals stress the necessity of early assistance for weight management, particularly for young women wishing to conceive. Despite the challenges, many children born to overweight mothers are healthy.

Hanhioja reflects on her past weight loss journey of 70 kilograms, which she achieved through a strict regimen of healthy eating and exercise, only to regain the weight due to personal hardships. Both women emphasize the importance of compassionate, individualized care from healthcare systems, with Hanhioja even considering weight loss surgery as a last resort to fulfill their family dreams. The shared fear of permanent infertility weighs heavily on both friends, leading them to emotional discussions about motherhood.