Women told to lose weight before having a baby

The guidelines, from health watchdog NICE, have stated that health professionals need to support women to ensure that they realise the risks that they are putting both themselves and their unborn child at if they are obese whilst being pregnant.

Amongst the other recommendations issued, the guidelines also advised that there is no need to ‘eat for two’ whilst pregnant as is often believed.

The research carried out found that almost half of women who were at child-baring age were over weight, which could significantly harm their baby.

Professor Mike Kelly, at NICE, commented, ‘This new guidance is about helping health professionals to help women have a healthy pregnancy - it’s not about preaching to women.’

Women were also warned that they should not feel pressured to crash diet after the birth of their child as this could also put the mother at risk.

Professor Kelly added, ‘Losing weight gradually can ensure that women maintain a healthy weight in the long-term.’

By Lauren King