The healthy eating and lifestyle in pregnancy (HELP) feasibility study

Jewell, K., Avery, A., Barber, J. and Simpson, S. (2014) The healthy eating and lifestyle in pregnancy (HELP) feasibility study. British Journal of Midwifery, 22(10), pp. 727-736. (doi: 10.12968/bjom.2014.22.10.727)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

Obesity and excess gestational weight gain (GWG) are linked to increased complications during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.<p></p> This study aimed to explore the feasibility of group-based weight management for obese pregnant women. At booking, pregnant women with a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2 were invited to weekly weight management groups, facilitated by a midwife and Slimming World consultant, providing diet and lifestyle, goal setting and general pregnancy advice. Attendance was until 6 weeks postpartum. 148 women with a mean age of 32 years (5.3 SD) and BMI of 37.4 kg/m2 (5.5 SD) attended. 85% (n=126) went to >3 and 65% (n=96) >6 sessions. The mean birth weight for 132 newborns was 3.53 kg (0.49 SD) and for the 39 women losing weight, 3.59 kg (0.35 SD). Of the 132 births, 48% were spontaneous vaginal delivery; 89% (115) initiated breastfeeding; 70% were still breastfeeding 28 days post-delivery.<p></p> The healthy eating and lifestyle in pregnancy (HELP) group proved to be an acceptable intervention providing women with the ability to control weight gain during pregnancy, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle postpartum. Although the study was underpowered and exploratory, restricting GWG did not have a negative impact on the birth weights or other birth outcomes. Indeed, more babies were born in the healthy weight range to those women who lost weight during pregnancy.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Simpson, Professor Sharon
Authors: Jewell, K., Avery, A., Barber, J., and Simpson, S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:British Journal of Midwifery
Publisher:Mark Allen Group
ISSN:0969-4900

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
620221MRC SPHSU/GU Transfer FellowshipsLaurence MooreMedical Research Council (MRC)MC_PC_13027IHW - MRC/CSO SPHU