Pregnant women are not receiving proper weight management advice

The survey found that 63 per cent of women admitted that their health carer had not explained obesity issues, such as body mass index, during their first antenatal appointment.

Weight management is very important during pregnancy as obese pregnant women run a greater risk of developing conditions such as gestational diabetes and they are also most likely to experience miscarriages.

The survey found that, for those women who did receive weight advice, 84 per cent thought that the advice given for not sufficient.

Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed agreed that the NHS should provide midwife-led antenatal classes that specifically handle healthy eating and weight management.

Sally Russell. A co-founder of Netmums.com, said, ‘These results are a wake-up call to midwives to support women better throughout their pregnancy and inform them of their options.’

Earlier this year the health watchdog, the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence put out guidance that encouraged women to attain a healthy weight before they get pregnant.

A spokesman from the Department of Health said, ‘We know it’s crucial that mothers get the support they need before, during and after birth and we are working with the Royal College of Midwives, the NHS and others to make this happen.’

By Lauren King