PREGNANT women can access free healthy eating advice as part of a new NHS initiative.

Foodwise in Pregnancy is an exciting new programme available to all pregnant women in Wrexham.

Developed by Public Health Dietitians and Midwives, it aims to offer practical support and assistance to help women to eat well and be active during pregnancy.

The 12-month trial programme aims to help pregnant women to achieve a healthy pregnancy weight gain.

Andrea Basu, service lead for Public Health Dietetics said: “Pregnancy is a time when women are really keen for advice about eating well and finding out more about how good nutrition can support them and their growing baby. Our aim is to support and empower women to make informed choices about their own eating and activity habits

“Offering support at this important time is so valuable for laying strong foundations for families’ future health and wellbeing. We are so excited to be able to offer this programme to women in Wrexham and hope that if successful we can roll it out across the health board area.”

Foodwise in Pregnancy features six separate sessions, covering topics including meal planning, tips for keeping active, and how much weight is safe to gain in pregnancy.

The first session begins on Monday, October 21, in Llay Community Centre at 9.30am. Lunchtime sessions will also run from Friday, November 8 at DW Fitness on the Plas Coch Retail Park from 12.30pm, and evening sessions will take place at the community room at Tesco Extra on Mondays, at 5.30pm from October 14.

Karen Roberts, inpatient matron at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, said “By working with dietitians, we hope to help women access useful and practical information about nutrition.

“When you’re planning for the changes to your life that a new baby brings, thinking about how you can make positive changes to your eating habits can have a really positive benefit for both mums and their families.”

Women can find out more information by asking their midwife, or contacting Sarah Powell-Jones, Foodwise in Pregnancy Facilitator on 07966 516743.