Christine M Furber1, Linda McGowan. 1. School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, University of Manchester, Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. christine.furber@manchester.ac.uk
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: to explore the experiences related to obesity in women with a body mass index (BMI)>35 kg/m(2) during the childbearing process. DESIGN: a qualitative design was used. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and field notes. Women were interviewed in the third trimester of pregnancy and between three and nine weeks after the birth. Transcribed data were analysed using framework analysis methods. SETTING: one maternity service in the North of England. PARTICIPANTS: 19 women with BMI>35 kg/m(2). FINDINGS: these women highlighted their feelings of humiliation, and the stigma associated with being pregnant, when obese. Interactions with health professionals and the general public reinforced their discomfort about their size. The high-risk status of their pregnancy increased the medicalisation of their pregnancy. The ultrasound scan was a significant source of distress if difficulties imaging the fetus were not clearly explained during the procedure. KEY CONCLUSIONS: pregnant women who are obese are sensitive of their size. The interactions with health professionals and others that they encounter may increase distress. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: health professionals should be more aware of the psychological implications of being obese. Communication strategies about care should be clear and honest, and conveyed in a sensitive manner. Written comments related to size on 'hand-held' notes should be explained at the time of writing.
OBJECTIVE: to explore the experiences related to obesity in women with a body mass index (BMI)>35 kg/m(2) during the childbearing process. DESIGN: a qualitative design was used. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and field notes. Women were interviewed in the third trimester of pregnancy and between three and nine weeks after the birth. Transcribed data were analysed using framework analysis methods. SETTING: one maternity service in the North of England. PARTICIPANTS: 19 women with BMI>35 kg/m(2). FINDINGS: these women highlighted their feelings of humiliation, and the stigma associated with being pregnant, when obese. Interactions with health professionals and the general public reinforced their discomfort about their size. The high-risk status of their pregnancy increased the medicalisation of their pregnancy. The ultrasound scan was a significant source of distress if difficulties imaging the fetus were not clearly explained during the procedure. KEY CONCLUSIONS: pregnant women who are obese are sensitive of their size. The interactions with health professionals and others that they encounter may increase distress. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: health professionals should be more aware of the psychological implications of being obese. Communication strategies about care should be clear and honest, and conveyed in a sensitive manner. Written comments related to size on 'hand-held' notes should be explained at the time of writing.
Authors: Rebecca F Goldstein; Jacqueline A Boyle; Clement Lo; Helena J Teede; Cheryce L Harrison Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Date: 2021-08-18 Impact factor: 3.007
Authors: Annick F L Bogaerts; Roland Devlieger; Erik Nuyts; Ingrid Witters; Wilfried Gyselaers; Isabelle Guelinckx; Bea R H Van den Bergh Journal: Obes Facts Date: 2013-04-12 Impact factor: 3.942
Authors: Linda de Wit; Judith G M Jelsma; Mireille N M van Poppel; Annick Bogaerts; David Simmons; Gernot Desoye; Rosa Corcoy; Alexandra Kautzky-Willer; Jürgen Harreiter; Andre van Assche; Roland Devlieger; Dirk Timmerman; David Hill; Peter Damm; Elisabeth R Mathiesen; Ewa Wender-Ozegowska; Agnieszka Zawiejska; Pablo Rebollo; Annunziata Lapolla; Maria G Dalfrà; Stefano Del Prato; Alessandra Bertolotto; Fidelma Dunne; Dorte M Jensen; Liselotte Andersen; Frank J Snoek Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Date: 2015-07-31 Impact factor: 3.007