Maternity Services & Women’s Health

This is a group session facilitated by a dietitian. This informal class provides useful information and support for women starting pregnancy with a high body weight. Topics covered include preparing for pregnancy, eating well, staying active and breastfeeding. You will also get printed guides to healthy eating, recipes and snacks.  

For whom?  Women starting pregnancy with a high body weight / body mass index (BMI greater than 25kg/m2).

How? You need to book this class. Ask your hospital doctor, midwife or dietitian to refer you to the ‘Tús Maith’ (‘A Good Start’) class, or contact the dietetic service directly to book a place (see contact details above).  You will be sent a letter with a date and time for your class.

When?  The class is held every month and lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Where?  65/66 Lower Mount Street, 1st floor lecture theatre.

If you would like an individual appointment with a dietitian after you have attended the class, please let the dietitian know on the day or contact our department administrator and we will arrange it for you.

Individual outpatient appointments and inpatient consultations can be arranged.

For whom? Women with a specific issue that need a dietary assessment or individual advice on nutrition, for example:

• If you have been very sick and are not managing to eat or drink i.e. hyperemesis
• If you are a teenager and still growing yourself
• If you were on a special diet before pregnancy or have special medical needs (e.g. a metabolic disorder such as PKU, cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) or previous surgery on your stomach or bowel)
• If you are underweight or not gaining enough weight
• If you are overweight or gaining too much weight
• If you have low levels of important nutrients (e.g. anaemia, low vitamin or mineral levels)
• If you have a history of an illness or condition that might have an effect on your nourishment
• Your unborn baby is not growing as expected

How?  Your obstetrician or midwife needs to send a referral to the dietetic service.

When?  A dietitian will arrange to meet with you either during your hospital stay or you will be offered an outpatient appointment.

Where? Details will be on your appointment letter which is sent to your home address.

The dietitian will check your weight and height for you, so wear shoes that are easy to take off.