title: Physical activity in pregnant women with Class III obesity: A qualitative exploration of attitudes and behaviours.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the barriers and facilitators to physical activity and lifestyle interventions in pregnant women with Class III obesity (body mass index >40 kg/m(2)).
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study using in-depth, semi-structure interviews framed by the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted using a topic guide. Data analysis was undertaken using a Framework Approach and was informed by the theory of planned behaviour. Recruitment and analysis continued until data saturation was reached.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were recruited from an antenatal clinic for women with Class III obesity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pregnant women (n=13) with Class III obesity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three major themes emerged from the data analysis: having a healthy lifestyle awareness, complex barriers to lifestyle changes and having personalised solutions to promote healthy lifestyle. Women were aware of the benefits of physical activity during pregnancy but had complex barriers to engaging with activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  future lifestyle interventions for women with Class III in pregnancy should take into account individual, societal and support barriers towards weight management and lifestyle choices in pregnancy. Programs that provide personalised support which are sensitive to the specific physical and psychological needs of women with Class III obesity which focus on the benefits and safety of physical activity for both mother and baby may be more likely to be successful. Further research is needed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of tailored programs.
authors.affiliation: Tommy׳s Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC/University of Edinburgh, Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen׳s Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Fiona.Denison@ed.ac.uk.
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Denison
authors.affiliation: Tommy׳s Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC/University of Edinburgh, Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen׳s Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Weir
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Carver
authors.affiliation: Tommy׳s Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC/University of Edinburgh, Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen׳s Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Norman
authors.affiliation: Tommy׳s Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC/University of Edinburgh, Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen׳s Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Endocrinology Unit, University/BHF, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen׳s Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Reynolds
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D000070497:Healthy Lifestyle; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000523:psychology*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Class III obesity; Obstetrics; Physical activity; Pregnancy