Raised BMI and pregnancy
Being overweight in pregnancy can put you a greater risk of developing some medical complications during pregnancy and increased chance of experiencing some problems in labour.
Please read our advice about what to expect during pregnancy if your BMI >30, and suggestions on how to avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy. It is a myth that you should eat for two during pregnancy – baby will take everything he/she needs from your body, but energy needs do not change in the first six months of pregnancy. Eating healthy during pregnancy will help your baby develop and grow and also help to keep you well too.
It is advisable to try and reduce weight before becoming pregnant. Your GP can refer you to Fitter Futures Warwickshire to aid this.
It is recommended you start taking 5mgs folic acid at least one month prior to becoming pregnant and until 13th week of pregnancy – this is to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
George Eliot Maternity Unit have joined forces with Fitter Futures Warwickshire to offer our pregnant mums a variety of FREE OF CHARGE Weight Management Services and reduced rate membership to Exercise Referral Providers.
Fitter Futures Warwickshire service aim to support people across Warwickshire to improve their health through maintaining a healthy weight, become physically more active and having a healthier lifestyle. To be a part of one of the services, you may need to be referred by a health/social care professional – this can be your Midwife, Health Visitor or GP.
The Fitter Futures Warwickshire scheme is coordinated by NB Leisure Trust and commissioned by Public Health, Warwickshire County Council. The following services are available as part of Fitter Futures.
Family Weight Management Service (ChangeMakers) for families with overweight children.
Change Makers is a family weight management service which provides a free of charge 9 week healthy eating, healthy lifestyles and physical activity programme for families who have at least one child aged 4-12 who is overweight. Families can self refer to the programme or be referred by a professional e.g. Teacher, health/social care professional etc.
Young People and Adult Weight Management on Referral (including pregnant and postnatal women).
This service provides a free of charge 12 week programme of weight management support to young people aged 12-16 and adults aged 16+. There are 3 different organisations who provide this service, people will be given a choice. To be eligible for the programme people must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more or a BMI of 28 if there are complex needs.
Young People and Adult Physical Activity/Healthy Lifestyles on Referral (previously known as Exercise on Referral).
This service provides a 12 week programme of a physical activity/healthy lifestyle support to young people aged 12-16 and adults aged 16+. The service has a charge - where possible this is kept to a minimum. There are many organisations who provide this service - people will be given a choice.
You will be contacted and offered a choice of 12 week programmes. There are organisations you can chose from. These organisations are:
Healthy living Network: Weight Busters
Affordable weight loss classes based on a healthy eating plan that really works. Qualified nutritionists and dieticians offer a personalised approach to help people achieve their goals. Access to cookery classes and exercise providing all the tools needed to succeed.
Slimming World
Slimming World uses a ‘Food Optimising’ eating plan, which is based around satisfying your appetite with healthy everyday foods like fruit, vegetables, pasta, potatoes, eggs, fish, lean meat and chicken, so that you don’t have to go hungry. It’s a long term plan, not a quick fix, so no food is banned and whatever your favourite treat is, you can still enjoy it in moderation. You will also be encouraged to build more physical activity in to your daily routine (brisk walking is fine) as this will help you to keep off the weight that you lose.