Fighting obesity during pregnancy - A qualitative study of women's experiences of making lifestyle changes during pregnancy

Abstract: Background: Obesity among women of childbearing age is a rising public health concern due to risks of adverse outcomes and long-term obesity for the mother and child. Addressing maternal obesity through effective lifestyle interventions is important and understanding the challenges that accompany successful behaviour change may assist in ensuring long-term health benefits. Aim: To explore obese women’s experiences of making lifestyle changes in pregnancy. Method: Semi-structured in-depth interviews with eight mothers with a BMI≥30, purposively sampled from previous participants in a lifestyle intervention at Hvidovre Hospital in Denmark. Data was analysed using manifest and latent content analysis. Findings: Three themes emerged from the analysis. The key findings showed that changing health behaviour in pregnancy is an ambivalent endeavour involving various individual challenges and facilitating aspects. Engaging in lifestyle changes requires personalised care and a comprehensive support system involving family, peers and professionals at various levels to motivate behaviour change. The postpartum period is an especially challenging period for women. Without professional support, health behaviours become increasingly difficult to maintain as motherhood and caring for the newborn child takes precedence over health concerns. Conclusion: The findings showed that women are susceptible to receiving lifestyle intervention during pregnancy because of their overall health goals for themselves and their family; however, the mode of care delivery needs to be personalised to the individual’s context. Special attention must be given to the underlying issues of overweight. Weight stigma should be addressed when targeting obese pregnant women to avoid potentially discouraging women from participating in preventative lifestyle interventions. It is recommended that a comprehensive support system, involving partners, peers and professionals, be ensured during pregnancy and extends to the postpartum period. Women may then in turn be more motivated to resume a healthy lifestyle after birth.