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Many practising midwives feel neither confident nor competent to answer the nutritional concerns of pregnant women in their care. This study was designed to develop and evaluate a nutrition open‐learning pack for practising midwives. A statistically significant increase (p < 0.001) in midwives’ nutrition knowledge scores was demonstrated following study of the nutrition open‐learning materials. Evaluation of the nutrition open‐learning materials was positive with constructive comments and suggestions being made for further development. Open learning is a time‐consuming activity that requires support from managers in terms of study time. As a strategy, open‐learning materials can be developed for whatever the topic and academic level required, which could encompass pre‐registration midwifery education, post‐graduate study and continuing professional development (CPD).

In 1980, 8 per cent of women in the UK were classified as obese (body mass index over 30). By 1998, the prevalence of obesity had increased to 21 per cent and there is no sign that this upward trend is moderating. Many women retrospectively attribute the onset of their obesity to pregnancy, yet research in this area has yielded conflicting evidence. Unlike the USA, the UK does not have clinical guidelines for gestational weight gain. Health professionals such as GPs, midwives and obstetricians have a responsibility to monitor normal pregnancy, yet typically in the UK, women are weighed only once i.e. at the antenatal booking appointment, which is primarily undertaken for the interpretation of screening tests. This paper will review recent evidence relating gestational weight gain and maternal outcomes such as the burden of postpartum obesity and the risk of caesarean section. In addition, some practical advice is given for heath professionals to use when monitoring the weight gain of pregnant women in their care.