Cutting fats cuts down risks in pregnancy

Women who eat healthily and stay active during pregnancy cut their chance of needing a Caesarean section by around 10%, experts say.

A review of 36 studies in 16 countries found a careful diet and exercising helped reduce excessive weight gain in pregnancy and enabled more women to deliver naturally.

Around one in four births in the UK are by Caesarean which, although regarded as very safe, can carry a risk of complications.

These include the risk of infections to new mothers, excessive bleeding and potential damage to surrounding organs.

The researchers, writing in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), found that women of any weight offered tailored diet and exercise advice during pregnancy were less likely to need a Caesarean or gain excessive weight.

There was also some evidence that they were less likely to develop diabetes in pregnancy.

The advice on dieting included restricting sugary drinks, switching to low-fat dairy and eating more fruit and veg.

Exercise programmes included aerobic classes and cycling in the gym and some weight-based training.

The results showed that dieting combined with physical activity significantly reduced the mother’s weight gain during pregnancy by an average of 0.7kg compared with the control group.