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Midwives repeat call for UK guidance on weight gain in pregnancy - responding to new research

on 17 September 2018 Pregnancy and Weight Management

Today research published in Diabetologia (the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes showing that if a woman gains either too much or too little weight during pregnancy, there are adverse effects in children at 7 years of age.

Commenting on the research Mandy Forrester, Head of Quality and Standards at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “During pregnancy women are very receptive to messages and advice about weight management issues and midwives can have a real impact on improving women’s health and wellbeing.

“This research highlights the need for guidelines on weight gain in pregnancy in the UK. The RCM and Slimming World issued a call in July for UK guidelines on what constitutes a safe weight gain. Without this midwives have to use their own initiative and refer to American guidance.

“There is a clear need for midwives to have the tools, guidance and training they need so that they can offer women the best possible support and care. This is especially pressing because of the potentially serious complications that can arise in pregnancy as a result of women being overweight or obese. It is a real concern that some midwives do not have access to that most basic piece of equipment, scales.

“We are calling for clear guidance on healthy weight management in pregnancy and will be looking at how we can take this forward so that women and midwives have the information, support and resources needed.”

The RCM/Slimming World media release re the surveys of women and midwives can be read here.

To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email [email protected].

Note to editors

The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.

 

 

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