Need to avoid excess weight gain in pregnancy

Commenting on research to be published tonight in the BMJ on ‘Maternal obesity during pregnancy and premature mortality from cardiovascular event in adult offspring’, Louise Silverton, director for midwifery at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “This research shows the importance of women starting their pregnancy at a normal weight. However, not all pregnancies are planned and midwives encourage mothers to manage their weight during pregnancy.

“For those who are overweight or obese there is a need to avoid excess weight gain and for those of normal weight to maintain this status. In addition after the birth midwives work hard to support women to lose their weight - over a reasonable time period - so that they are an ideal weight for the next pregnancy. Midwives do communicate to women the long term health risks of obesity for mother and baby.”

The RCM has a partnership with Slimming World to raise awareness in supporting pregnant women and breastfeeding mums in managing their weight.