Recent demographics show that women conceiving are increasingly living with overweight and obesity, and in Guernsey obesity affects 1 in 3 of pregnant women. In addition to this, more than half of women experience excess weight gain in pregnancy, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia (increasing risk to baby), as well as increasing long-term health risks to mother and baby.
Monitoring dietary intake and physical activity can help with weight management during pregnancy. The links and self-management tools below are designed to support women throughout pregnancy.
Healthy eating: Have a healthy diet in pregnancy - NHS
NHS Physical activity: Exercise in Pregnancy - NHS
NHS Obesity/overweight: Overweight and pregnant - NHS
NHS BDA pregnancy and diet: Pregnancy and Diet - BDA
BDA Foodwise in pregnancy app: Foodwise in Pregnancy
Women with a BMI >40 can be referred by their midwife, obstetrician or GP to the antenatal weight management dietetic service.
Care provided by the service is compassionate and supports pregnant women to feel more confident about managing their diet and weight throughout pregnancy.
For more information on this service follow this link HSC Dietetics
Benefits of working with a dietitian:
Peace of mind and a balanced diet: women get clear, compassionate advice that may help reduce tiredness and keeps mum strong throughout pregnancy.
Healthy growth for the baby: balanced nutrition supports the baby’s growth and development
Long-term health: good habits formed during pregnancy often carry on postnatally and into family life
Pre and postnatally
We welcome referrals for women and mothers who would like weight management support. Dietetic input can offer nutrition guidance and weight management support that feels both practical and nurturing during pre-conception and post-partum.
Please speak to your GP or maternity team for a referral, if not already within the service.
Alternatively, women can sign up to the 12-week Oviva digital weight management programme here: Oviva
Please also see the health visitor website for advice and support relating to feeding and caring for your baby as well as information on breastfeeding friendly locations in the Bailiwick: