Eating for two a myth - pregnancy guidelines

Friday February 19th, 2010

Pregnant women should not try to lose weight - but should keep fit and avoid "eating for two", according to new guidelines published yesterday.

Women and health professionals should do their best to ensure they are a healthy weight before becoming pregnant, according to British experts.

And after giving birth, a woman should get support from doctors, nurses and midwives to lose weight, the draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence says.

The advice says that pregnant women should be encouraged to undertake a "moderate" amount of physical activity and eat a healthy diet.

They should also be told that "eating for two" is a myth - as are suggestions they should drink full-fat milk.

Safe exercise includes swimming and running - but women who have not undertaken regular exercise before pregnancy should begin with no more than 15 minutes, three times a week, it says.

Professor Mike Kelly, of NICE, said: "Many overweight women have healthy babies, but the evidence does suggest that there are more risks associated with pregnancies in women who have a body mass index of over 30.

"We want all women to be supported before, during and after they have children so that both they and their babies have the healthiest outcome possible.

"The draft guidance includes a number of practical recommendations, such as ensuring advice on healthy eating and physical activity for women after they have had a baby takes into account the demands of looking after a small baby and how tired the women are and any health problems they may have."

He added: "But it also aims to dispel any myths about what and how much to eat during pregnancy - there is no need to eat for two or to drink full-fat milk."

Tags: Childbirth and Pregnancy | Diet & Food | Fitness | UK News | Women’s Health & Gynaecology

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