Eat for one, pregnant women told

Wednesday July 28th, 2010

Pregnant women in Britain are being urged to stop "eating for two" as part of a drive, launched today, to reduce obesity among mothers and their children.

Doctors and midwives should also do their best to encourage women to reach a healthy weight before becoming pregnant, according to the guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

NICE says as many as 50 per cent of women of child-bearing age are now overweight or obese.

The guidelines also advice against celebrity-style crash diets after giving birth. They say that exercise and gradual weight loss will ensure a woman can continue to breast-feed her baby.

Pregnant women who are obese should also be given careful advice - so they do not try home-grown diets, the guidance says. Instead they should be referred to a dietician or health professional for personal advice on eating and exercise.

Professor Lucilla Poston, of King's College London, who helped draw up the guidance, said: "The increasing prevalence of obesity amongst pregnant women in the UK is very worrying as there are so many potential risks for the mother and her baby.

"Increased awareness of all these important issues will represent a major breakthrough in improvement of maternity care."

Another adviser Dr Tracey Sach said: "During pregnancy it was not uncommon to hear I should be ‘eating for two’ and that I should stop cycling. However, neither is necessary and this guidance aims to dispel these common myths.

"After having my son, I was aware that my own readiness to deal with the issue of weight changed over time."

The findings have been backed by GP and midwife leaders.

Professor Steve Field, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said: "There is much conflicting information, particularly in the media, about what constitutes a healthy weight for a woman during and after pregnancy, and I welcome any guidance that can offer prospective and new mothers comprehensive direction and clarity."

Louise Silverton, of the Royal College of Midwives, said: "The growing volume of evidence shows that the health of a mother with obesity is further compromised by the pregnancy, also impacting the health of her unborn baby.

"As a result of the increase in obesity among pregnant women, midwives are, (on top of the continuing baby boom) dealing with more complex births. These women need to see a midwife as early as possible in their pregnancy."

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

Printer friendly page