Watching your weight in pregnancy

Watching your weight in pregnancy

Mums-to-be in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) area have been learning how to manage their diet and stay physically active to manage their weight.

This project has been developed by Southern Trust midwives, dietitians and physiotherapists in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Kilkeel Leisure Centre. The project, funded by the PHA, has been developed to address the increasing levels of obesity in pregnancy that can increase health risks to mother and baby during pregnancy and birth. 

Patricia McStay, Head of Midwifery, said: “We are seeing increasing numbers of women who are overweight or obese at their first visit with the midwife. We want to support these women to improve their diet and remain active during and after their pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications for both the mother and her baby and improve their future health.”

The project involved midwives and dietitians offering a group antenatal programme for women in Kilkeel wanting to manage their weight during their pregnancy. The six week programme covered learning about healthy eating, food labelling, meal planning and making behaviour changes. Each week included the opportunity to take part in a physical activity session suitable for pregnant women.

As part of the project, dietitians and physiotherapists have updated twenty midwives across the trust on good nutrition, healthier eating and physical activity during and after pregnancy.

Angela McComb Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager, PHA, said: “We look forward to seeing the results of the project evaluation which will inform the development of further programmes to support pregnant women and new mums to manage their weight locally and across Northern Ireland.”

Midwife Diane McDowell and dietitian Liz O’Connor, pictured here at the group programme in Kilkeel, added: “We have had great interest in this group programme and women have really welcomed the opportunity for advice on safe exercise and healthy eating during pregnancy and after birth.”

One group participant commenting on the programme said: “Excellent, learnt loads! Very worthwhile course and very well delivered by all involved.”

A group postnatal programme for women in Kilkeel wanting to manage their weight following the birth of their baby was also offered earlier in the year. 

For further information on managing your weight in pregnancy, contact your midwife.

Further information

Contact the Public Health Agency on 028 9055 3663 or Southern Health and Social Care Trust on 028 3861 2433.