NHS advises future mothers about myths of pregnancy

February 22, 2010 by Shawn Douglas
Filed under: News, Pregnancy

The NHS has drafted guidelines that advise future mothers about the most common myths of pregnancy.

The NHS and other organizations have turned to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to develop new guidelines regarding physical activity and weight for future mothers.

The guidelines, currently under professional review until March 18, attempt to dispel the myth of “eating for two”, consuming full fat milk, and quick weight loss.

Dr. Mike Kelly, director of the public health excellence centre at NICE, said: “In today’s society women are bombarded by often conflicting advice on what constitutes a healthy diet and how much physical activity they should do during pregnancy and after birth.”

“We want all women to be supported before, during and after they have children so that both they and their babies have the healthiest outcome possible.”

The guidelines address the idea that women should eat for two people, stating that in reality women only need to eat an additional 200 calories during the last three months of pregnancy. The authors also suggested that consuming full fat milks and cheeses wasn’t necessary.

Exercise was also addressed in the guidelines. “In terms of physical activity, women are encouraged to remain active and fit in order to cope with labour as well as helping to get back into shape after the birth,” said the authors.

“Normal daily activity such as walking, dancing and sport are encouraged for as long as the woman feels comfortable. Women are discouraged from exhausting themselves, and are informed that they may need to slow down as pregnancy progresses.”

NICE also warned of the societal pressures associated with quick weight loss after birth. “There is evidence that weight and body shape concerns are affected by size prior to pregnancy, and more importantly, the way that women perceive their usual and changed shape in respect to their own and other’s ideals,” said NICE in the guidance.

The Telegraph also noted “celebrity claims of unrealistic rapid weight loss” after birth, referencing Heidi Klum, Myleene Klass, Halle Berry and Jennifer Lopez as potentially unrealistic examples.

The Royal College of Midwives’ Jane Munro was pleased with the release of the guidance, stating that most women were concerned about weight before, during and after pregnancy.

“It will be particularly helpful in dispelling post-pregnancy myths,” she told the BBC. “Women need to understand that losing weight after giving birth can be a slow process, and that physical exercise and gradual weight loss will not impact on their ability to breastfeed.”

The guidance currently under review can be found at the NICE Web site.