Engagement with and outcomes of a Midwifery-led intervention group for pregnant women of high body mass index

AimsTo compare pregnancy care, maternal and neonatal outcomes of women with Body Mass Index (BMI) >30 enrolled in a Weight Intervention Group versus other models of antenatal care.MethodsRetrospective, case-control study of mothers with BMI >30 managed with a specialised programme versus age-matched women enrolled in standard models of care.ResultsOne thousand, one hundred and fifteen of 9954 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies, had a BMI >30, of whom 9.6% enrolled in the intervention group. Compared to controls, the intervention group had superior implementation of local high BMI guidelines, including; nutritional /weight gain advice (86% vs. 46%, p < 0.001), regular weighing (80% vs. 33%, p < 0.001), lactation consultant referrals (8% vs. 1%, p = 0.02), third trimester anaesthetic review and ultrasound (50% vs. 20.9%, p = 0.04 and 55% vs. 43%). Initiation of breastfeeding was higher in the intervention group (100% vs. 90%, p = 0.001). No significant difference was noted in Caesarean rate (30% vs 3...