Overweight Pregnancy Program - Healthy for You, Healthy for Two
The Healthy for You, Healthy for 2 Program is a unique clinical program in the Center of Lifestyle Medicine linked to the Northwestern Comprehensive Center on Obesity (NCCO) designed to help overweight women have healthier pregnancies.
The multidisciplinary program provides pregnant women with individual and group support with a goal of optimizing nutrition, physical activity and weight management during pregnancy. Our dedicated program staff strives to improve overall health for the mother and the unborn child by promoting optimal weight gain and lifestyle balance during pregnancy.
Program participants receive group and individual counseling about weight gain, nutrition and physical activity during pregnancy. There is no charge for this program.
Newsletter
The Healthy for You, Healthy for 2 newsletter offers useful updates on the program:
- September 2011 Newsletter (pdf)
- March 2011 Newsletter (pdf)
- January 2011 Newsletter (pdf)
- November 2010 Newsletter (pdf)
- August 2010 Newsletter (pdf)
Questions & Answers
Why did my obstetrician refer me to the Healthy for You, Healthy for 2 program?
You met certain criteria for program participation. These criteria are related to facts about your pregnancy, previous pregnancies, and your health and weight. They include such measures as:
- Whether your body mass index (BMI) is equal or greater than 30
- Whether you gained excessive weight (40 pounds or more) with a previous pregnancy
- Whether you had gestational diabetes
- Whether you have had a previous weight loss from surgery
Your medical records will be carefully reviewed by a healthcare professional to make sure that there is no medical reason you cannot participate.
How will this program benefit me and my unborn child?
Research studies indicate that a mother's tendency toward being overweight may be passed along during her pregnancy to her unborn child. Therefore, by maintaining an optimal weight gain during your pregnancy, your child may be healthier too.
You mentioned the program’s team approach. Who makes up the team?
The entire team includes physicians, nurses, dietitians, exercise specialists, clinical psychologists, and YOU. Healthy for You, Healthy for 2 depends on committed pregnant individuals to work cohesively with the team to practice and achieve lifestyle goals suited not only for pregnancy but for life.
Where will I go to attend this program?
You will go to Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation, Center for Lifestyle Medicine, 675 North St. Clair, 17th floor, Galter Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois 60611. Telephone 312-695-2300.
How often are program visits and sessions?
During your initial appointment you will meet with the physician, the dietitian, and the exercise physiologist. Subsequent appointments will be group sessions with the team. Frequent coaching and contact will occur between visits to provide support and goal achievement during your pregnancy.
What are the unique interventions that will be used during pregnancy?
A physician will evaluate your overall health. The registered dietitian will help you plan meals that include the foods you like and give you some meal planning tools. Moderate exercise, such as walking, will be suggested by the exercise physiologist.
A clinical psychologist will provide strategies for lifestyle balance to promote a healthier pregnancy. Group and frequent healthcare contact will provide social support to achieve personal goals. The program will last throughout your pregnancy.
In addition, some follow-up visits will occur after your baby is born. Most importantly, your commitment to work in partnership with the team will be essential.
Contact
Center for Lifestyle Medicine
Charlotte Niznik
675 North Saint Clair
Galter Pavilion, 19th floor, Suite 17-100
Chicago, IL 60611
312-695-2300