title: Increased BMI during pregnancy: how do midwife lead maternity carers respond?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the knowledge base of midwife lead maternity carers (LMCs) and explore their adjustments in practice for obese women.
  
  
  METHODS
  A nationwide cohort study of LMC midwives in New Zealand concerning obesity in pregnancy using an electronic survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 428 LMCs responded. Most respondents were aware of the risks of obesity during pregnancy. Midwives felt it was important to provide customized care. Various barriers to accessing support for obese women within the health system were identified. Discussing weight and obesity was acknowledged as a sensitive issue for both the woman and the midwife.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study highlights the need to improve access to and availability of supportive maternity services and resources for pregnant women with increased BMI.
authors.affiliation: Palmerston North Hospital, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Sze Yin
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.affiliation: Practice Advice & Research Development, New Zealand College of Midwives, 376 Manchester Street, Richmond 8014, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Lesley
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dixon
authors.affiliation: Dunedin School of Medicine, Otago University, 201 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Paterson
authors.affiliation: New Zealand College of Midwives, 376 Manchester Street, Richmond 8014, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Norma
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Campbell
mesh_terms: D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D008880:Midwifery; D009520:New Zealand; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D016387:Women's Health
keywords: midwives; obesity; pregnancy; primary maternity care