Blooming Healthy is a service run by a specialist midwife in Worcestershire for those who have a BMI of 35 or over in early pregnancy and would like 1-1 support to make healthier lifestyle choices. 

Speak to your midwife or email: wah-tr.bloominghealthy@nhs.net to find out more.

If you have a healthy diet and stay active during pregnancy your weight gain should stay at a safe and healthy level for you and your baby.

Being obese when you're pregnant increases the chance of some complications such as gestational diabetes.

Make sure you go to all your antenatal appointments so your pregnancy team can monitor the health of you and your baby.

To find out if you are obese (very overweight), use the BMI healthy weight calculator.

For more information visit Obesity and pregnancy - NHS

It's recommended that pregnant women take the following supplements:

• 400 micrograms of folic acid every day – from before you're pregnant until you're 12 weeks pregnant - this is to reduce the risk of problems in the baby's development in the early weeks of pregnancy
• a daily vitamin D supplement

Do not take cod liver oil or any supplements containing vitamin A (retinol) when you're pregnant. Too much vitamin A could harm your baby. Always check the label.

You can get supplements from pharmacies and supermarkets, or a GP may be able to prescribe them for you.
If you want to get your folic acid from a multivitamin tablet, make sure the tablet does not contain vitamin A (or retinol).

You may be able to get free vitamins if you qualify for the Healthy Start scheme. Low cost vitamins are also available from your local Family Hub.

If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk as part of the Healthy Start Government Scheme.

If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. We’ll add your benefit onto this card every 4 weeks.

Foodbanks are non-profit-making organisations that provide food parcels to people in crisis that don't have money to buy food. There are a number of foodbanks in Worcestershire, the majority of which are part of the Trussell Trust which is a national Christian organisation. 

Other foodbanks in Worcestershire operate independently with the support of church and community links. To search for foodbanks in the area, visit the Worcestershire Community Directory or the Trussell Trust.

It is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may make your gums more vulnerable to gum disease.

You're entitled to free dental treatment during pregnancy and for a year after giving birth.

Visit Change4Life - Recipes for finding recipes or download NHS Easy Meals app.

You can also join Change4Life to receive free healthy snacking pack and get money-off vouchers and stickers for the kids. By joining you will also receive emails including healthy eating tips, tasty recipes, fun activities for kids, offers and lots more! For more information visit Change4Life - Eat well.

Early Nutrition Group offer a free online course for parents about Nutrition in pregnancy Eating Well in Pregnancy - Early Start Group.

Sign up for Better Health: Start for Life's weekly emails for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.