Recommendations | Weight management before, during and after pregnancy | Guidance

Weight management definition

In this guidance the term 'weight management' includes:

assessing and monitoring body weight
preventing someone from becoming overweight (body mass index [BMI] 25–29.9 kg/m²) or obese (BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m²)
helping someone to achieve and maintain a healthy weight before, during and after pregnancy by eating healthily and being physically active and gradually losing weight after pregnancy.

The recommendations are based on strategies and weight-loss programmes that are proven to be effective for the whole population. The criteria for effective programmes are listed below. Programmes that do not meet these criteria are unlikely to help women to maintain a healthy weight in the long term.

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight

Women will be more likely to achieve and maintain a healthy weight before, during and after pregnancy if they:

base meals on starchy foods such as potatoes, bread, rice and pasta, choosing wholegrain where possible
eat fibre-rich foods such as oats, beans, peas, lentils, grains, seeds, fruit and vegetables, as well as wholegrain bread and brown rice and pasta
eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day, in place of foods higher in fat and calories
eat a low-fat diet and avoid increasing their fat and/or calorie intake
eat as little as possible of fried food; drinks and confectionery high in added sugars (such as cakes, pastries and fizzy drinks); and other food high in fat and sugar (such as some take-away and fast foods)
eat breakfast
watch the portion size of meals and snacks, and how often they are eating
make activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, aerobics and gardening part of everyday life and build activity into daily life – for example, by taking the stairs instead of the lift or taking a walk at lunchtime
minimise sedentary activities, such as sitting for long periods watching television, at a computer or playing video games
walk, cycle or use another mode of transport involving physical activity.

Effective weight-loss programmes:

address the reasons why someone might find it difficult to lose weight
are tailored to individual needs and choices
are sensitive to the person's weight concerns
are based on a balanced, healthy diet
encourage regular physical activity
expect people to lose no more than 0.5–1 kg (1–2 lb) a week
identify and address barriers to change.

Weight loss programmes are not recommended during pregnancy as they may harm the health of the unborn child, see recommendation 2.

Reputable sources of information and advice about diet and physical activity for women before, during and after pregnancy include: The Department of Health's 'The pregnancy book' and 'Birth to five' and the NHS eat well website.

Changing behaviour

Evidence-based behaviour change advice includes:

understanding the short, medium and longer-term consequences of women's health-related behaviour
helping women to feel positive about the benefits of health-enhancing behaviours and changing their behaviours
recognising how women's social contexts and relationships may affect their behaviour
helping plan women's changes in terms of easy steps over time
identifying and planning situations that might undermine the changes women are trying to make and plan explicit 'if–then' coping strategies to prevent relapse.

Recommendation 1 Preparing for pregnancy: women with a BMI of 30 or more

Whose health will benefit?

Women with a BMI of 30 or more who may become pregnant, including those who have previously been pregnant.

Who should take action?

NHS and other commissioners and managers.
GPs, health visitors, midwives, practice nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals working in weight management, fertility, pre-conception advice and care services, gynaecology and contraceptive services.
Managers and health professionals in children's centres.
Directors of public health, planners and organisers of public health campaigns and occupational health advisers.
Dietitians and public health nutritionists working in NHS and non-NHS settings.

What action should they take?

NHS and other commissioners and managers, directors of public health and planners and organisers of public health campaigns should ensure health professionals understand the importance of achieving a healthy weight before pregnancy. Local education initiatives should also stress the health risks of being obese, including during pregnancy.
Health professionals should use any opportunity, as appropriate, to provide women with a BMI of 30 or more with information about the health benefits of losing weight before becoming pregnant (for themselves and the baby they may conceive). This should include information on the increased health risks their weight poses to themselves and would pose to their unborn child.
GPs, dietitians and other appropriately trained health professionals should advise, encourage and help women with a BMI of 30 or more to reduce weight before becoming pregnant. They should explain that losing 5 to 10% of their weight (a realistic target) would have significant health benefits and could increase their chances of becoming pregnant. Further weight loss, to achieve a BMI within the healthy range (between 24.9 and 18.5 kg/m²) should also be encouraged, using evidence-based behaviour change techniques. Losing weight to within this range may be difficult and women will need to be motivated and supported.
Health professionals should encourage women to check their weight and waist measurement periodically or, as a simple alternative, check the fit of their clothes.
Health professionals should offer a weight-loss support programme involving diet and physical activity. The programme should follow the principles of good practice, as outlined at the beginning of this section.
Health professionals should offer specific dietary advice in preparation for pregnancy, including the need to take daily folic acid supplements. This includes professionals working in pre-conception clinics, fertility clinics, sexual and reproductive health services and children's centres.

Recommendation 2 Pregnant women

Context

If a pregnant woman is obese this will have a greater influence on her health and the health of her unborn child than the amount of weight she may gain during pregnancy. That is why it is important, when necessary, to help women lose weight before they become pregnant.

Dieting during pregnancy is not recommended as it may harm the health of the unborn child.

Many pregnant women ask health professionals for advice on what constitutes appropriate weight gain during pregnancy. However, there are no evidence-based UK guidelines on recommended weight-gain ranges during pregnancy.

The amount of weight a woman may gain in pregnancy can vary a great deal. Only some of it is due to increased body fat – the unborn child, placenta, amniotic fluid and increases in maternal blood and fluid volume all contribute.

Whose health will benefit?

All pregnant women but, in particular, those with a BMI of 30 or more.

Who should take action?

Obstetricians, midwives, GPs and practice nurses.
Dietitians and public health nutritionists.
Managers and health professionals in children's centres.
Midwifery assistants, support workers and other healthcare practitioners.

What action should they take?

At the earliest opportunity, for example, during a pregnant woman's first visit to a health professional, discuss her eating habits and how physically active she is. Find out if she has any concerns about diet and the amount of physical activity she does and try to address them.
Advise that a healthy diet and being physically active will benefit both the woman and her unborn child during pregnancy and will also help her to achieve a healthy weight after giving birth. Advise her to seek information and advice on diet and activity from a reputable source.
Offer practical and tailored information. This includes advice on how to use Healthy Start vouchers to increase the fruit and vegetable intake of those eligible for the Healthy Start scheme (women under 18 years and those who are receiving benefit payments).
Dispel any myths about what and how much to eat during pregnancy. For example, advise that there is no need to 'eat for two' or to drink full-fat milk. Explain that energy needs do not change in the first 6 months of pregnancy and increase only slightly in the last 3 months (and then only by around 200 calories per day).
Advise that moderate-intensity physical activity will not harm her or her unborn child.
Give specific and practical advice about being physically active during pregnancy. Advise women how to exercise safely following national guidelines on physical activity during pregnancy and during postpartum (see the UK Chief Medical Officers' physical activity guidelines for more information).
Explain to those women who would find this level of physical activity difficult that it is important not to be sedentary, as far as possible. Encourage them to start walking and to build physical activity into daily life, for example, by taking the stairs instead of the lift, rather than sitting for long periods.
Measure weight and height at the first contact with the pregnant woman, being sensitive to any concerns she may have about her weight. If these data are not available at their first booking appointment, then the midwife should do this. Do not rely on self-reported measures of weight and height. Clearly explain why this information is needed and how it will be used to plan her care. Weigh her in light clothing using appropriate, calibrated weighing scales that are regularly checked. Calculate BMI by dividing weight (kg) by the square of height (m²), or use the NHS BMI calculator after measuring and weighing. Use BMI percentile charts for pregnant women under 18 years, as a BMI measure alone does not take growth into account and is inappropriate for this age group.
Weight, height and BMI should be recorded in notes, the woman's hand-held record and the patient information system. If a hand-held record is not available, use local protocols to record this information.
Do not weigh women repeatedly during pregnancy as a matter of routine. Only weigh again if clinical management can be influenced or if nutrition is a concern.
Explain to women with a BMI of 30 or more at the booking appointment how this poses a risk, both to their health and the health of the unborn child. Explain that they should not try to reduce this risk by dieting while pregnant and that the risk will be managed by the health professionals caring for them during their pregnancy.
Offer women with a BMI of 30 or more at the booking appointment a referral to a dietitian or appropriately trained health professional for assessment and personalised advice on healthy eating and how to be physically active. Encourage them to lose weight after pregnancy.

Recommendation 3 Supporting women after childbirth

Whose health will benefit?

Women who have had a baby in recent months.

Who should take action?

GPs, health visitors, midwives, practice nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals working in weight management.
Managers and health professionals in children's centres.
Dietitians and public health nutritionists working in NHS and non-NHS settings.

What action should they take?

Use the 6–8-week postnatal check as an opportunity to discuss the woman's weight. Ask those who are overweight, obese or who have concerns about their weight if they would like any further advice and support now – or later. If they say they would like help later, they should be asked whether they would like to make an appointment within the next 6 months for advice and support.
During the 6 to 8-week postnatal check, or during the follow-up appointment within the next 6 months, provide clear, tailored, consistent, up-to-date and timely advice about how to lose weight safely after childbirth. Ensure women have a realistic expectation of the time it will take to lose weight gained during pregnancy. Discuss the benefits of a healthy diet and regular physical activity, acknowledging the woman's role within the family and how she can be supported by her partner and wider family. Advice on healthy eating and physical activity should be tailored to her circumstances. For example, it should take into account the demands of caring for a baby and any other children, how tired she is and any health problems she may have (such as pelvic floor muscle weakness or backache).
Health professionals should advise women, their partners and family to seek information and advice from a reputable source. Women who want support to lose weight should be given details of appropriate community-based services.
Midwives and other health professionals should encourage women to breastfeed. They should reassure them that a healthy diet and regular, moderate-intensity physical activity and gradual weight loss will not adversely affect the ability to breastfeed or the quantity or quality of breast milk.
Health professionals should give advice on recreational exercise from the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. In summary, this states that:
- If pregnancy and delivery are uncomplicated, a mild exercise programme consisting of walking, pelvic floor exercises and stretching may begin immediately. But women should not resume high-impact activity too soon after giving birth.
- After complicated deliveries, or lower segment caesareans, a medical care-giver should be consulted before resuming pre-pregnancy levels of physical activity, usually after the first check-up at 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth.
Health professionals should also emphasise the importance of participating in physical activities, such as walking, which can be built into daily life.

Recommendation 4 Women with a BMI of 30 or more after childbirth

Whose health will benefit?

Women who had a pre-pregnancy BMI of 30 or more.
Women with a BMI of 30 or more who have had a baby within recent months.

Who should take action?

GPs, health visitors, practice nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals working in weight management.
Managers and health professionals in children's centres.
Dietitians and public health nutritionists working in NHS and non-NHS settings.

What action should they take?

Explain the increased risks that being obese poses to them and, if they become pregnant again, their unborn child. Encourage them to lose weight.
Offer a structured weight-loss programme. If more appropriate, offer a referral to a dietitian or an appropriately trained health professional. They will provide a personalised assessment, advice about diet and physical activity and advice on behaviour change strategies such as goal setting. Women who are not yet ready to lose weight should be provided with information about where they can get support when they are ready.
Use evidence-based behaviour change techniques to motivate and support women to lose weight.
Encourage breastfeeding and advise women that losing weight by eating healthily and taking regular exercise will not affect the quantity or quality of their milk.

Recommendation 5 Community-based services

Whose health will benefit?

All women before, during and after pregnancy.

Who should take action?

NHS and other commissioners and managers.
Managers of local authority leisure and community services including swimming pools and parks.
Managers and health professionals in slimming and weight management clubs.
Managers and health professionals in children's centres.
NHS health trainers and health and fitness advisers working in local authority leisure services and voluntary, community and commercial organisations.

What action should they take?

Local authority leisure and community services should offer women with babies and children the opportunity to take part in a range of physical or recreational activities. This could include swimming, organised walks, cycling or dancing. Activities need to be affordable and available at times that are suitable for women with older children as well as those with babies. Where possible, affordable childcare (for example, a creche) should be provided and provision made for women who wish to breastfeed.
NHS and other commissioners and managers, local authority leisure services and slimming clubs should work together to offer women who wish to lose weight after childbirth the opportunity to join a weight management group or slimming club. Health professionals should continue to monitor, support and care for women with a BMI of 30 or more who join weight management groups and slimming clubs.
Weight management groups and slimming clubs should adhere to the principles outlined at the beginning of this section. This includes giving advice about healthy eating and the importance of physical activity and using evidence-based behaviour-change techniques to motivate and support women to lose weight.
NHS health trainers and non-NHS health and fitness advisers should advise women that a healthy diet and being physically active will benefit both them and their unborn child during pregnancy. They should also explain that it will help them to achieve a healthy weight after giving birth – and could encourage the whole family to eat healthily and be physically active.
NHS health trainers and non-NHS health and fitness advisers should encourage those who have weight concerns before, during or after pregnancy to talk to a health professional such as a GP, practice nurse, dietitian, health visitor or pharmacist. They should also advise women, their partners and family to seek information and advice on healthy eating and physical activity from a reputable source.
NHS health trainers and non-NHS health and fitness advisers should offer specific dietary advice in preparation for pregnancy, including the need to take daily folic acid supplements.

Recommendation 6 Professional skills

Whose health will benefit?

All women before, during and after pregnancy, particularly those with a BMI of 30 or more.

Who should take action?

Professional bodies and others responsible for setting competencies and developing continuing professional development programmes for health professionals, healthcare assistants and support staff.
Training boards and organisations responsible for training health and fitness advisers and NHS health trainers.

What action should they take?

Ensure health professionals, healthcare assistants and support workers have the skills to advise on the health benefits of weight management and risks of being overweight or obese before, during and after pregnancy, or after successive pregnancies.
Ensure they can advise women on their nutritional needs before, during and after pregnancy and can explain why it is important to have a balanced diet and to be moderately physically active.
Ensure they have behaviour change knowledge, skills and competencies. This includes being able to help people to identify how their behaviour is affecting their health, draw up an action plan, make the changes and maintain them.
Ensure they have the communication techniques needed to broach the subject of weight management in a sensitive manner. They should be able to give women practical advice on how to improve their diet and become more physically active. They should be able to tailor this advice to individual needs and know when to refer them for specialist care and support.
Ensure they have the knowledge and skills to help dispel common myths. This includes myths about what to eat and what not to eat during pregnancy and about weight loss in relation to breastfeeding.
Ensure they have knowledge, skills and competencies in group facilitation, are aware of the needs of minority ethnic groups and have knowledge of local services.
Ensure their training is regularly monitored and updated.