Antenatal interventions that support obese pregnant women

Maternal obesity is recognised as one of the main challenges facing maternity care today, yet there appears to be an aversion by health professionals to place non-diabetic, obese, pregnant women on a monitored, calorie-appropriate nutritional regime. This article explores current evidence in relation to the use of interventions during pregnancy and whether they can impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Overall evidence from the research would suggest that a more successful antenatal strategy appears to be to encourage a change in overall dietary composition to promote a more health-conscious diet rather than reducing food intake or avoiding specific dietary components. Interventions that incorporate exercise regimes are also discussed. The midwife's role in relation to supporting women with obesity during pregnancy is examined and the possible benefits of utilising motivational interviewing techniques when caring for these women is identified.