Preconception and healthy weight
Healthy weight before pregnancy is important for parents and babies. Being overweight, obese, or underweight can increase risks and complications during birth. Simple conversations about eating well, staying active, and seeking support early can make a big difference.
For the pregnant individual, excess weight increases the risk of:
- gestational diabetes
- pre-eclampsia
- gestational hypertension
- increased likelihood of caesarean birth and surgical site infection
- poorer perinatal mental health outcomes
For the baby, risks include:
- preterm birth
- being small or large for gestational age
- birth defects and congenital abnormalities
- perinatal death
The risks increase for individuals with class 2 and 3 obesity.
Being underweight (BMI less than 18.5) also carries risks, such as:
- miscarriage
- preterm birth
- low birth weight
Many people struggle to lose weight between pregnancies. Family weight is often influenced by diet, physical activity, and socioeconomic factors. Addressing these factors can create a healthier environment for future pregnancies.
Messages for professionals to share about preconception and healthy weight
Advise individuals planning a pregnancy to register with a GP and know how to access midwifery services.
Discuss why achieving a healthy preconception weight improves fertility and reduces complications.
The Gestational Diabetes Pathway is a free programme that helps people make small, healthy changes after having gestational diabetes. These changes can lower their chance of getting type 2 diabetes in the future. Encourage anyone who has had gestational diabetes to take part.
Encourage early conversations about diet, physical activity, and weight management. Promote a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Signpost to local weight management services if a person is pregnant and needs support around weight management.
Address socioeconomic factors that may influence family weight and health behaviours.
Promote the NHS Healthy Start Scheme. Healthy Start supports better nutrition for pregnant women and young children in low-income families. Eligible families receive a prepaid card to buy fruit, vegetables, milk, infant formula, and vitamins. Ask about eligibility and signpost families to apply.
Diabetes:
Physical activity
Regular physical activity before pregnancy supports overall health, improves fertility, and reduces risks during pregnancy. It helps maintain a healthy weight, lowers stress, and prepares the body for the physical demands of pregnancy and birth.
Benefits of physical activity before pregnancy:
- improves cardiovascular health, heart disease and muscle strength
- supports healthy weight and reduces risk of gestational diabetes
- enhances mental wellbeing and reduces stress
- may improve fertility outcomes
It also improves mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, while improving mood and overall wellbeing.
Incorporating moderate, consistent exercise that is tailored to individual health needs is a key part of preconception care.
Messages for professionals to share about physical activity
Being active before pregnancy helps improve fertility, supports a healthy weight, and reduces risks during pregnancy.
Encourage at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. If someone is inactive, suggest simple steps like short walks or taking the stairs. Activities like dancing, gardening, or group classes can help sustain motivation.
Consider health conditions, weight, and mobility when giving advice. Chair-based activity is an excellent option for individuals with limited mobility or those seeking gentler exercise, simple movements like seated marching, arm raises, and leg extensions can make a big difference.
Refer to local services like Live Life Better Derbyshire for free physical activity programmes and lifestyle support.
Resources
To support someone to lose weight or quit smoking, Live Life Better Derbyshire is here to help the people of Derbyshire live life better.
Derbyshire Family Health Service is a team of healthcare professionals here to support individuals and family as part of the 0-19-year-olds free public health and wellbeing services.
Health, exercise, and nutrition for the really young (HENRY). HENRY is a free programme that helps parents and carers give their child the best start. It offers tips on healthy eating, being active, and building happy family routines.
Livewell Derby is Derby City Council’s healthy lifestyle service. The scheme provides free support to adults and children for up to 12 months to help them lose weight, become more active, quit smoking and improve their health.
NHS Healthy Start Scheme if someone is more than 10 weeks pregnant or has a child under 4, they may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.