Overweight mums-to-be are being offered exclusive sessions in a Dundee swimming pool with a specially trained midwife.
The free Aquanatal sessions at Lochee pool start next month and are open to pregnant Tayside women who have a BMI of 40 or more which is a weight in excess of 18 stone for a woman of average height.
The new service is part of NHS Tayside’s bid to support overweight pregnant women to adopt healthier habits that will benefit both themselves and their unborn children.
A spokeswoman for the health authority said that a midwife with a qualification in aqua-aerobics would lead the sessions of “gentle exercise” which had funding initially for seven weeks, starting on May 16. Up to 32 women could be accommodated in each session and anyone interested in participating should contact their own midwife or the ante-natal clinic at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
Women who are overweight or obese during pregnancy are at increased risk of health problems including high blood pressure, thrombosis and diabetes which can lead to pregnancy complications and in some cases increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and health problems with the baby.
In Tayside 33% of women are obese at their first visit to a midwife and 45% are classed as overweight.
Linda Arnot, midwifery team leader, NHS Tayside, said, “All midwives discuss the importance of healthy eating during pregnancy with mums-to-be. Optimum is a service designed to deliver extra support to women with a BMI greater than 40.
“The team consists of midwives with extended skills who can offer encouragement and support in weight management in addition to routine ante-natal care. A consultant obstetrician and a nutritionist work alongside the team providing additional support and advice.
“The Optimum service will be working with women to identify and develop activities to manage their weight during pregnancy.”