Charnley, M, Newson, L, Weeks, A and Abayomi, J (2024) A qualitative exploration of the experiences of pregnant women living with obesity and accessing antenatal care. PloS one, 19 (5). e0302599. ISSN 1932-6203

Preview

Text journal.pone.0302599.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (473kB) | Preview

Abstract

Women are advised to optimise weight before pregnancy. However, many are either already living with overweight or obesity prior to becoming pregnant, increasing the risks for adverse outcomes. Health care professionals (HCP) are responsible for advising women of risks throughout and following pregnancy. However, midwives often find broaching the conversation around maternal obesity difficult. This study explored the experiences of pregnant women living with obesity in accessing antenatal care. Seventeen women completed a semi-structured interview. Transcripts were analysed thematically. Four themes were developed: 1) antenatal care is inconsistent, 2) additional support is needed, 3) women feel judged about their weight, and 4) weight cycling is highly prevalent. Findings suggest that pregnant women living with obesity often experience weight bias from HCPs, feel judged because of their weight and are left feeling confused and overlooked. Women reported inconsistencies in advice and care offered and acknowledged a lack of continuity of care throughout pregnancy. We call for an urgent need for further multidisciplinary training to address the concerns, experiences and needs of pregnant women living with obesity.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Humans; Pregnancy Complications; Obesity; Prenatal Care; Pregnancy; Qualitative Research; Adult; Pregnant Women; Health Services Accessibility; Female; Young Adult; Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Adult; Obesity; Pregnant Women; Qualitative Research; Pregnancy Complications; Health Services Accessibility; Young Adult; General Science & Technology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics
Divisions:	Psychology (from Sep 2019)
Publisher:	Public Library of Science (PLoS)
SWORD Depositor:	A Symplectic
Date Deposited:	09 May 2024 09:34
Last Modified:	09 May 2024 09:45
DOI or ID number:	10.1371/journal.pone.0302599
Editors:	Kumsa, FA
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/23207

View Item