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Two for tea but not tea for two
30 July 2010
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Mums-to-be shouldn't start eating for two during pregnancy, according to new guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
The guidance, published this week, is aimed at GPs and other health professionals and focuses on being a healthy weight before, during and after pregnancy.
Women who are already pregnant are advised to ignore the old wives' tale of 'eating for two' and not eat any extra calories during the first six months. NICE suggests that it's only during the last three months of pregnancy that women need to increase the number of calories they eat, and then only by around 200 calories per day. This is the equivalent of two slices of toast or a couple of low-fat yoghurts. The guidelines also stress the importance of exercise, but suggest that the focus should be on staying fit, rather than trying to become as fit as possible.
However, the guidelines make it clear that going on a diet during pregnancy isn't recommended. Dieting can harm an unborn baby because it can stop both mother and baby getting all the nutrients they need.
Being overweight or obese can cause problems during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia (a condition that causes high blood pressure and can lead to growth problems for the unborn baby), premature birth and gestational diabetes. It can also increase the chance of having a bigger baby.
These guidelines should hopefully dispel some myths and help GPs and health professionals provide the right support for pregnant women, and those who want to get pregnant.
NICE also suggests that obese women who are trying to get pregnant should aim to first lose excess weight through a combination of diet and exercise. The guidelines recommend setting a realistic target for weight loss and aiming for a body mass index (BMI) in the healthy range. Losing excess weight can help to increase a woman's likelihood of getting pregnant as well as improving her health.
If you were obese during pregnancy and have recently given birth, the guidelines recommend that you should think about losing the excess weight before you try to become pregnant again.
Commenting on the new guidelines, Dr Ryan Mehta, Bupa's Senior Regional Physician, said: "Recently, there has been a significant rise in obesity in this country and this has been reflected in an increase in obese pregnant women. These guidelines should hopefully dispel some myths and help GPs and health professionals provide the right support for pregnant women, and those who want to get pregnant. While all of us should try to eat healthily and get enough exercise, it's particularly important if you're trying to get pregnant. However, if you are pregnant, dieting can put you and your baby at risk.
"At Bupa, we have a number of ways to help you stay fit and healthy, whether you're trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or are trying to get back into shape after giving birth. Our health assessments can give you a clear and comprehensive picture of your health status while private GP appointments and physiotherapy are available at many of our centres throughout the UK.
"Bupa members also get preferential rates for fitness classes and gym membership."
Key facts
- A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. A BMI greater than this suggests you are overweight or obese. To work out your BMI, see our BMI calculator. However, it's important to remember that BMI isn't a perfect measure of how healthy you are.
- On average, women in the UK gain between 10 and 12.5kg (22 to 28lb) during pregnancy but most of this will be the weight of your baby, the amniotic fluid surrounding your baby, the placenta and your womb.
- Pregnant women should not eat certain foods including unpasteurised cheeses, pâté and some types of fish. It's important to eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
How can we help you?
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Read the guidance
Dietary interventions and physical activity interventions for weight management before, during and after pregnancy. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), July 2010. www.nice.org.uk