Pregnancy is an important time to support your health and wellbeing, and everyone’s needs are different. Some people who start pregnancy at a higher body weight may need extra support during labour or birth and have an increased chance of certain complications. These can include conditions such as gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy) and high blood pressure, including pre-eclampsia (a condition that needs close monitoring during pregnancy).
The chances of developing these conditions can be higher when your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or above at the start of pregnancy. Your midwife will calculate your BMI at your first appointment. We know BMI isn’t a measure of health on its own and most people will still have healthy pregnancies, but extra support can help reduce risks.
To support people who may benefit from extra care, the Athena Enhanced Pathway has been developed. This is a midwife-led service within the Health Equity Midwifery team that offers additional support and more focused conversations around health and wellbeing during pregnancy, including healthy lifestyle support.
If your BMI is 40 or above, you will automatically be offered this support after your first appointment and one of our midwives will be in touch.
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, you can email the Athena Midwives: [email protected]
Information for patients
Before pregnancy
If you are planning a pregnancy, Tommy’s Planning for Pregnancy Tool will tell you all you need to know about how to improve the health of your future pregnancy and baby.
Pregnancy
Baby Buddy app
A free app to guide you through pregnancy and your baby’s first six months. It provides reliable, evidence-based information and support, available 24 hours a day.
Best Start in Life website
Advice on pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood from the NHS including healthy lifestyles and infant feeding. Sign up for free email support throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Food and activity support for a healthy pregnancy (leaflet)
Our leaflet has information and links to support during pregnancy.
Tommy’s Pregnancy Hub
Evidence-based information covering health and wellbeing from preconception to postnatal care.
The Healthy Start Scheme can be used to purchase free milk, infant formula and fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, as well as multi-vitamin supplements. Visit the website to find out if you are eligible, or speak to your midwife for more information.
Staying Active
Active Pregnancy Foundation
Information about safe physical activity during and after pregnancy.
- Home workout videos
- Pregnancy physical activity guidelines
- Postnatal (after your baby is born) physical activity guidelines
Couch to Fitness
A free, flexible online programme (yoga, Pilates, low-intensity workouts) designed by prenatal fitness specialists.
Eating Well
A free app with games, quizzes and tools to support healthy eating, activity and weight management during pregnancy
It includes:
- Tips for a healthy diet
- Ideas for staying active
- Recipes, shopping tips and meal planning
- Step-by-step pregnancy-safe exercises
Local Support
Bump and Baby Fit – Free yoga and swimming
Bump and Baby Fit helps you move more, feel supported, and thrive during pregnancy and after birth, with free yoga and swimming in Leeds. For more information and to sign up please see the Active Leeds website: Prenatal and Postnatal | Active Leeds
Postnatal
Programmes in Leeds
HENRY 0–5: Right from the Start
A free 8-week group programme for parents and carers of children aged 0–5 – attend online or at a local children’s centre. To find out more please speak to your health visitor or email: [email protected]. Topics include:
- Building confidence as a parent or carer
- Physical activity for young children
- Family eating habits and mealtimes
- Healthy routines, play, and family wellbeing
HENRY 5–12: Healthy Families Growing Up
An 8-week group programme for parents and carers of children aged 5–12. Topics include:
- Emotional wellbeing
- Family routines, including sleep and screen time
- Mealtimes and healthy eating
- Physical activity and family lifestyle
National Diabetes Prevention Programme
If you have had gestational diabetes, you may have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
You may be offered a place on this free 9-month programme, which provides personalised support to help you make healthy lifestyle changes. Evidence shows it can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than a third.
Cost of living support
If you need help with food, energy, or finances, local support is available. These services provide information and advice on housing, money, heating, food, water and local community support.
Community wellbeing
Better Together – A network of local organisations in Leeds offering activities and support to improve health and wellbeing, including: cooking, exercise, social groups, and creative activities. Find out more on Facebook.
- West Leeds: Better Together
- South Leeds: Improving Health – Health For All
- East Leeds:
- Better Together – Touchstone – groups include walking, healthy eating, swimming and more
- Feel Good Factor Leeds – community support based in Chapeltown – find out what’s on
- Shantona Womens Centre – Better Together – health and wellbeing support
