Did you know that as an expectant mum you can still go along to Slimming World groups and continue Food Optimising, with the support of your midwife or GP. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is an ideal way to prevent excess weight gain and help towards a healthy pregnancy. If you’re expecting a little bundle of joy, or thinking of becoming a mum, read on…

I frequently see women with a BMI of over 30, suffering from serious health problems in pregnancy due to their weight. These problems range from gestational diabetes and high blood pressure to caesarean sections because babies have grown too large to be born naturally. It’s refreshing to find a 'diet' that is so healthy and well-balanced that I can recommend it to pregnant women. 

Michelle Southam, midwife

Healthy and safe for you and baby

We know that weight concerns don’t just disappear when a mum-to-be discovers the happy news. The thought of ‘normal’ weight gain during pregnancy can be quite harrowing, especially for someone wanting to lose weight.

Food Optimising is a healthy, nutritious eating plan, encouraging you to eat as much food as you like to satisfy your appetite, rather than operating as a restrictive diet. Slimming World members can continue to Food Optimise throughout their pregnancy.

After I began to lose weight I was overjoyed to find that I was pregnant. I continued going to group, with the consent of my midwife, and I had a very healthy pregnancy. I only gained  baby weight and after I gave birth to Casey I recovered quickly from my caesarean because my body is so healthy. My midwife was so impressed that she’s suggested Slimming World to several mums-to-be!

New mum Claire Mascall from Lancashire lost an amazing 9st 1½lbs with Slimming World. 

Food Optimising recipes are based around filling and delicious Free Foods, that are ideal for a healthy balanced diet during your pregnancy. Choosing a wide variety of foods such as calcium-rich milk and cheese, whole grains, as well as plenty of fruit and vegetables will help towards a really balanced diet. 

Baby Body Magic

Pregnancy doesn’t have to mean inactivity and for most pregnant women, regular activity will be highly beneficial. Being fit is an advantage both in the pregnancy and recovery period. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided. Gentle activity that doesn’t leave you short of breath, overheated or overly tired is generally recommended.

Walking is a great way to keep active during pregnancy and the support of the water makes swimming a good option too.

It’s important to consult your GP or midwife before starting any exercise, particularly if you haven’t been active prior to your pregnancy. Your GP or midwife should be able to advise on suitable activity or even recommend local classes such as ‘aqua-natal’ for mums-to-be.

For more information on pregnancy and being a new mum, visit our Mums website. We wish you a very happy and healthy pregnancy.

*Because weight management during pregnancy needs careful monitoring, we require you to obtain the support of your midwife to continue attending group