Maternity Healthy Lifestyle Pilot Study
Maternity Healthy Lifestyle Pilot Study
Lucy Rogerson, Orla McMahon, Dr AB Sirin-Ayva
Introduction
This service provides specialist weight management and dietetic support to individuals who are pregnant and have a BMI > 30kg/m², residing in Salford and Manchester. The service aims to help participants achieve appropriate weight gain during pregnancy, in line with British Dietetic Association (BDA) guidelines, and to support weight loss in the postnatal period. Participants received tailored healthy lifestyle advice across six sessions during the antenatal and postnatal journey, supplemented by optional weekly postnatal drop-in sessions.
Methods
Antenatal and postnatal weights were either self-reported by clients or taken during face-to-face sessions as part of the three antenatal appointments offered by the service. Recommended weight gain for individuals with a BMI > 30kg/m² was defined as 5–9kg during pregnancy, based on BDA guidelines. Postnatal weights were collected during face-to-face sessions or through self-reporting. Qualitative data were gathered via a client feedback survey to evaluate participants’ experiences and the impact of the programme on their physical and mental health.
Results
From 275 referrals received since March 2023, 63 clients completed antenatal weight tracking, and 37 provided postnatal weight tracking. Among antenatal participants, 50 (79%) maintained weight gain within the BDA-recommended range of 5–9kg. 8 clients lost weight during pregnancy, with weight changes attributed to healthy lifestyle modifications. The average weight change during pregnancy was +5.6kg, with a range from -7kg to +24kg.
Postnatally, 21 out of 37 clients (57%) achieved a weight below their referral weight, and 32 clients (86%) lost weight from their final recorded pregnancy weight.
Qualitative Feedback
Qualitative feedback highlighted the programme’s positive impact on participants’ experiences. Selected quotes from participants:
“I have enjoyed every session, and the way everything gets explained really helps with not only me but my family as well, for example my husband and stepdaughter.”
‘’I’m really grateful for how Orla treated me and how much information she passed one, she helped clear a lot of anxieties and concerns throughout the pregnancy when it came to foods, diet and weight loss.’’
“The session was good—really informative and well-paced. It was beneficial to set goals to reflect on in the future.”
‘’Great session – very informative and good for learning new information and a gentle reminder of other healthy habits.’’
“Great stuff, left the session feeling motivated and more knowledgeable.”
Conclusion
The service achieved strong outcomes in promoting healthy weight gain during pregnancy and weight loss postnatally. While 79% of antenatal participants met recommended weight gain targets, postnatal results demonstrated sustained benefits, with 86% of participants losing weight from their final pregnancy weight. Qualitative feedback underscored the value of the programme in improving participants’ physical and mental well-being.
- Funding: This project was funded by The Innovation Fund grant
- Conflict of Interest: None