Alex Clark, a registered nutritionist from Slimming World, continues the second part of compassionate conversations around weight management
Talking about a sensitive topic such as weight can leave health professionals feeling anxious about broaching it – it can feel easier to avoid the subject altogether, especially when you’re supporting someone during pregnancy. However, having the conversation at such a key time can have a positive influence on the health of both mother and child.
Besides, not talking about weight can have negative consequences. A research study exploring how women felt during pregnancy identified an important example of when weight should have been discussed but wasn’t. Following their ultrasound scan, women in the study reported feeling upset and humiliated when sonographers documented on their notes the difficulties in visualising the fetus, but no explanation was offered to them.
By talking about their weight earlier on, they can feel more informed about the pregnancy, why they may need to attend additional appointments and which birthing options will be available to them. This avoids potential upset, humiliation or anger later in their journey.
Weight is just one piece of the puzzle though. Often when we’re talking about it, we’re referring to the many lifestyle aspects that affect health, nutrition, physical activity and general wellbeing.
Finding support
“At 34 weeks pregnant, I’d been told by my doctor that I shouldn’t have gained any weight during pregnancy. This absolutely shook me and I cried for days.” Natalie’s story is sadly familiar – and unnecessary when there is plenty of support available. So, after you have broached the issue, who can you safely signpost pregnant women to for further support?
- registered nutritionists and dietitians, particularly those who specialise in pregnancy
- local NHS services, where available
- for group-based behaviour-change support in the local community, Slimming World is the only national weight loss organisation that offers membership during pregnancy (for healthy weight management, not weight loss)
- for women with gestational diabetes, support is available through the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
- Through their alliance partnership, Slimming World and the RCM have created a joint website offering dietary and physical activity advice for before, during and after pregnancy.
A recent Slimming World survey of pregnant members highlighted that they decided to join at this time to ‘support the health of themselves and their babies’. Parents naturally want to do their best for their baby, so it can be a moment in time when they’re highly motivated to make a change.
Pregnant members in the survey were more likely to eat fruit and vegetables, less likely to consume sugary and fatty foods and more likely to maintain activity levels throughout pregnancy. Improvements in wellbeing such as increased self-confidence, feeling healthier and feeling more in control of food choices in social situations were also reported.
Regardless of the scales, lifestyle changes and improvements in wellbeing can positively affect the health of the mother and baby and improve how mum feels about herself. For you, feeling confident and well-equipped to guide pregnant women through these conversations is key.
FURTHER INFO
Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
Slimming World and RCM resources
