Midwives at University Hospital Wales in Cardiff are working with Slimming World in a study to help women who are classified obese to become healthier during pregnancy.

There’s clear evidence that pregnant women with a BMI of over 30 are at increased risk of developing complications when pregnant and during childbirth. Obesity increases the risk of maternal death in pregnancy and also restricts the choices available to women who are increasingly having to give birth in very high-tech environments, putting them at a greater risk of caesarean section.

Women who attend the hospital’s antenatal clinic and have a BMI above 30 are offered vouchers to attend Slimming World groups. The focus is not on weight loss but on encouraging women to adopt a healthier lifestyle during pregnancy.

A clinical trial will work with over 200 overweight pregnant women with the aim of preventing further unnecessary weight gain during pregnancy. Other health indicators are being monitored, including general well being, babies’ birth weights and indices of pre-eclampsia and caesarean section.

“Slimming World’s approach supports women to make lifestyle changes for the future – it’s not about a quick fix or faddy diet,” says Karen Jewell, the lead midwife on the study.