Weight management during pregnancy

Author(s): J. Bryant & C. Rigby - Pages: 34–35

Abstract

Obesity is a complex condition that is the consequence of a broad range of variables relating to individual biology, eating behaviours and physical activity. In 2012, a UK specialist weight management team launched a maternity pathway after female users of this service frequently cited pregnancy as the primary trigger for their initial weight gain. An audit of the pathway was conducted in August 2014, and the outcomes of all referrals since its launch are summarized. The audit also investigated weight change during and after pregnancy, and the early results suggest that this unique service has been a success in terms of weight management at a time when the potential for significant weight gain is high. The limitations of the audit and future avenues of research are discussed.

Keywords: behaviour change, maternity pathway, pregnancy, obesity, weight management.