Download Pregnancy Plus Update – August 2016

Pregnancy Plus update- August 2016
Pregnancy Plus is an 8 week community based healthy lifestyle programme aimed at obese
pregnant women. The programme launched in April 2016, with the first group of women
attending Hatter’s Children Centre. Since then we have welcomed over 45 women onto the
programme, at four venues across Luton.
The aim of the programme is to provide women with consistent, evidenced based information
to raise awareness of the risks of obesity and excess weight gain in pregnancy. Sessions
include healthy eating during pregnancy, infant nutrition, risks of obesity and excess weight
gain during pregnancy and active birth with alternative weeks including gentle exercise
delivered by a qualified coach to encourage the women to try new activities.
It is expected that women attending the programme will make positive, sustainable, dietary
changes and have increased confidence to engage in physical activity. Additionally, it is
hoped that with a greater awareness of the risks of maternal obesity, women will actively
seek help when signs and symptoms of complications appear. The benefits of breastfeeding
are highlighted, as it is recognised that the breastfeeding rates are far lower in the most obese
mothers.
Women living in Luton with a BMI of 30 or above are routinely offered a place on the
programme following the booking appointment with the community midwife. However,
anyone who wishes to refer a pregnant woman who they feel would benefit from the
programme can contact Jenni Wood (Public Health Specialist Midwife) at
[email protected] and this may be considered on a case by case basis. Examples may
include women who have had previous gastric surgery, previous complicated pregnancy,
history of diabetes or high blood pressure.
Date programme commences
2nd September, 2016
Venue
Chaul End Community Centre (09.30-11.00hrs)
12th September, 2016
Hightown Community Centre (10.00-11.30hrs)
4th October, 2016
Library Luton Town Centre (18.30-20.00hrs)
26th October, 2016
Chaul End Community Centre (18.30-20.00hrs)
10th November, 2016
Hightown Community Centre (12.00-13.30hrs)
21st November, 2016
Library Luton Town Centre (11.30-13.00hrs)
13th December, 2016
Chaul End Community Centre (09.30-11.00hrs)
Please note that these sessions get filled quickly, so women must be pre-booked to avoid
being turned away.