ABSTRACT
The health and wellbeing of all women before, during and after pregnancy is a critical factor in giving children the best start in life (Marmot 2010). The health of babies is critically affected by the health and wellbeing of mothers (Marmot 2010). In areas of high deprivation, the health of babies and some young mothers is poorer than those in more affluent areas. At national level it is recognised that supporting young people to be healthy is a valuable investment in the country’s future (Department of Health 2008). The Social Exclusion Unit (1999) report, which has laid the foundations of government policy since that time, stated teenage pregnancy was a major social and economic problem. The United Kingdom ranked unfavourably when compared to other Westernised nations. Duncan, Edwards and Alexander (2010) questioned this, citing evidence that pregnancy, at any age could be seen as an opportunity to establish the foundations of healthy lifestyle practices for mothers, their babies and their families (Foresight 2007; NICE 2011, 2010).
