The importance of eating healthily during pregnancy for mum and baby can’t be understated. It’s often much easier said than done, though, and for some, compassionate support can be essential. At Slimming World, we’re proud to continue supporting mums-to-be and work in collaboration with the RCM to encourage healthy eating, active lifestyles and safe weight management during pregnancy.
Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising, has always been based on up-to-date nutrition science and is centred around everyday foods. Our members are encouraged to fill up on nutritious, low energy dense foods including rice, pasta, noodles, grains, poultry, fish, lean meats, plant-based proteins, eggs, beans, lentils, fruit and veg. The plan’s generosity and flexibility mean it’s an ideal way to support the nutrition of mums-to-be during this special time and help prevent excess weight gain during pregnancy.
As well as these low energy dense foods, we also encourage our members to enjoy measured, daily portions of foods containing essential nutrients to help ensure an overall balanced diet – these are called Healthy Extras. As part of our 2026 changes, a fresh focus on healthy fats has been incorporated with the creation of a new Healthy Extra category, including measured portions of nuts and nut butters, seeds, unsaturated oils and avocado. The introduction of the healthy fats choice is intended to put an even greater spotlight on the health benefits of these foods, it reflects current eating trends and aims to make it even easier for members to fit the plan into their real lives.
We’ve also made a name change to the part of our plan that helps members control those foods that are least satiating and high in energy density (such as crisps, chocolate, sauce with a meal). Previously called ‘Syns’ they’ll now be called ‘Swips’ (from Slimming World’s individual picks). This part of the plan is important because being able to enjoy your favourite foods without guilt makes it easier to stick to, so members can make lasting changes. We’d had some feedback that the word Syn suggested we wanted to make people feel ashamed about eating those higher calorie foods – which couldn’t be further from the truth. However, we recognise the power and impact of words, so while we’ve never wanted to make people feel guilty or judged, it was important that we listened and made a change.
Working closely with the RCM, we’ve also refreshed our policy for our pregnant members and how we work in collaboration with midwives. Previously, we’ve asked members to take a form to their midwives to let them know they are Slimming World members, and for the midwife to sign it.
Our intention was never meant for the form to act as “approval” from the member’s midwife, but to ensure the member was having a conversation with them about weight management in pregnancy. However, we know it’s created some uncertainty and midwives sometimes feel uncomfortable signing it. We’ve now streamlined the policy to make it clearer and easier for everyone – while keeping members’ wellbeing front and centre. In place of the form, midwives will now receive a letter (given to them by the member) which explains Slimming World’s support for members who are expecting a baby, along with how to contact Slimming World’s Nutrition team if they have any questions. Members will also get their own letter that explains our pregnancy support policy and encourages them to keep talking with their midwife throughout their pregnancy journey
Our policy around weight losses during pregnancy remains the same. If a pregnant member loses weight, this is discussed with the member to ensure that they’re enjoying a plentiful, varied diet without restricting themselves and not aiming to lose weight unless they’ve been advised to by their healthcare team. If the Slimming World Consultant supporting the member has any concerns or if weight losses continue, they will ask the member to talk to their midwife.
For more information on Slimming World’s approach and healthy eating plan, please visit: slimmingworld.co.uk/health
Visit Slimming World’s and the RCM’s website for advice and support before, during and after pregnancy: slimmingworld.co.uk/mums
