Being overweight or obese during pregnancy: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objective

The objectice of this study was to reveal difficulties, coping and expectations of overweight/obese women during pregnancy.

Methods

A descriptive, phenomenological approach was used. Fourteen pregnant women having a body mass index of 25 or over 25.

Results

The findings were presented under three themes: difficulties experienced, coping and expectations. The women had physical difficulties and their daily life was affected negatively. They experienced stigmatization, humiliation and uncertainty about how much they had to eat during pregnancy. Therefore, they were upset and unhappy. Some women denied that they were overweight and some women considered being overweight as normal due to pregnancy. Social support plays an important part in coping with difficulties; however, some women could not get sufficient social support. The women also expected to be treated tolerantly.

Conclusion

Overweight/obese women try to overcome many physical and psychological problems due to their weight during pregnancy, but they do not receive adequate support.

Keywords:

• Coping
• overweight
• obesity
• maternal
• pregnancy
• stigma

Acknowledgements

The authors thank participating women who supported the work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflicts of interest was reported by the author(s).