13 April 2010

Pregnant women get into the SSWInG of things

Being overweight during pregnancy can lead to a number of serious complications, including diabetes. It can increase the need for a caesarean section birth, increase the risk of bleeding following birth and the baby is more likely to need additional care in the first days of life.

Women at St George and Sutherland Hospitals, who are overweight, now have the opportunity to participate in the specially designed pregnancy service, SSWInG (St George & Sutherland Weight Intervention Group).

According to Deb Matha, Nursing Codirector for Women’s and Children’s Health Services, St George and Sutherland Hospitals, SSWInG aims to reduce the risk of complications for mother and baby by helping women to better manage their pregnancy weight gain.

“Women who are overweight will be invited to join SSWInG at their first hospital pregnancy booking visit,” Ms Matha said.

“Advice and care is provided in groups of up to 12 women, whose babies are due around the same time. Each group of women will meet eight times during their pregnancy.

“Women who have participated in antenatal groups at St George and Sutherland Hospitals describe how much they enjoy the experience and comment on benefits gained from networking and learning from each other,” she said.

To provide continuity of care during pregnancy, groups will be run by the same two midwives, with an obstetrician available should complications arise.

The groups will be attended regularly by a dietician and physiotherapist who will support the women in developing their individual healthy pregnancy plans.

“SSWInG is ideal for women who want to combine pregnancy care with tips on how to eat well, keep active and develop a healthy lifestyle and can be shared with their family throughout pregnancy and beyond,” Ms Matha said.

“Women in SSWInG will also be invited to attend a weekly drop-in where they can discuss their healthy pregnancy plan with midwives. This aims to keep women motivated and supported throughout their pregnancy,” Ms Matha said.

Professor Michael Chapman, Medical Codirector for Women’s and Children’s Health Services at St George and Sutherland Hospitals said the team was excited to provide this service.

“I believe the SSWInG program is the first of its kind in Australia. It combines excellent antenatal care with advice and support for a healthy pregnancy, which will enable women to achieve long-term health gains for themselves and their families,” Professor Chapman said.

For more information about SSWInG speak to a midwife or GP, call 9529 7056 (Tuesday and Thursday) or email SSWInG@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au.

The service has been running from the Ramsgate Child and Family Health Centre since 1 April.