title: Seeing it through their eyes: a qualitative study of the pregnancy experiences of women with a body mass index of 30 or more.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Maternal obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m(2)] is associated with numerous complications, but currently, little is known about the pregnancy experiences of these women.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To gain insight into the experience of pregnant women with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2), when accessing maternity services and attending a community lifestyle programme.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative methodology, utilizing focus groups and semi-structured interviews with post-natal women who had an antenatal BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2). The sample was obtained from a larger study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-four women participated. Three main themes were identified using thematic analysis. Women described disappointment with their pregnancy. In particular, their informational expectations were not met; some health professionals appeared uninterested, insensitive or unconfident. Women described readiness to make a lifestyle change, but this was not encouraged during routine care. Attending the programme began the process of behavioural change. Women's beliefs that small changes make a big difference led to them being spurred on by success; driven by a desire to improve the health of their family.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pregnant women who are obese know this is the case and expect to be provided with information to assist them in making lifestyle changes. Health professionals should be aware of women's readiness for change and view pregnancy as an ideal time to communicate. Pregnant women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2) should contribute to health professional training, to highlight the reality of the maternity system journey; first-hand accounts may improve the way health professionals' approach these women. Lifestyle interventions should be developed with input from the intended target group.
authors.affiliation: The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre', The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lavender
authors.affiliation: The School of Psychological Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Debbie M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D000070497:Healthy Lifestyle; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: maternal health; maternal obesity; qualitative research