After conducting a pilot study and obtaining funding from the Florence Nightingale Foundation, the author set up a programme of weekly sessions for pregnant women who had a higher body mass index. The sessions offered these women one-to-one time with midwives, an opportunity to exercise, and group discussions about health promotion and education. They encouraged women to engage with one another as well as share experiences, and provided a new way for women and their midwives to communicate and learn from each other. Good links with local services and other professionals including midwives, GPs, physiotherapists, dieticians and health visitors enabled the initiative to develop a multiprofessional and multifaceted approach to health promotion. A feedback questionnaire determined that the sessions encouraged women to explore a healthier lifestyle. Initially, the author thought that the sessions’ biggest impact would be to limit weight gain, but she found that the classes had a greater effect on emotional and social needs. The project won a national public health award and trust managers are looking at ways to expand the programme to three local boroughs.