An exploration of the pregnancy experiences of women with a BMI>40 V1.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A longitudinal, socially embedded exploration of the experiences and perceptions of pregnant women with a BMI greater than 40, and of members of their families and social networks.
IRAS ID
160125
Contact name
Alice Keely
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Edinburgh Napier University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Being very overweight (or obese) affects more than 30% of pregnant women in the UK. This can have serious short and long term health consequences for both the mother and her baby. It has been suggested that pregnancy may be an ideal time to offer dietary and lifestyle advice to obese women, however a number of trials which have examined the effects of pregnancy interventions have had limited success in restricting excessive pregnancy weight gain, and uptake of specialist antenatal services has been low. It has been argued that, as most pregnancy interventions adopt an individualistic approach, they do not adequately consider the importance of social, cultural and environmental factors which contribute to women’s overweight and obesity.
Pregnancy and birth, as well as food and eating, are socially and culturally embedded experiences. Within the current discourse around maternal obesity, several authors highlight the need for evidence regarding what factors influence how women think and feel about obesity and pregnancy. An understanding of the views, beliefs and taken for granted assumptions which shape the practices of women’s everyday lives, embedded within their social, cultural and professional networks, is important in order to plan and design appropriate interventions and services. To date, no studies have explored these themes with any depth within the context of pregnancy, or have widened the research focus to include the views of family members and friends.Women with a BMI >40kg/m2 at the start of pregnancy will be recruited via a specialist antenatal service based at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and via community antenatal clinics. The women will participate in three interviews, two during pregnancy and one following the birth of their babies. Women will then be asked to nominate significant members of their families and social networks to be approached to take part in one in-depth interview.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/1413
Date of REC Opinion
18 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion