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Reproductive Health
Published in: Reproductive Health 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Obesity | Research

Weight development from childhood to motherhood—embodied experiences in women with pre-pregnancy obesity: a qualitative study

Authors: Heidi L. Sandsæter, Trine Tetlie Eik-Nes, Linn Okkenhaug Getz, Hege S. Haugdahl, Elisabeth Balstad Magnussen, Janet W. Rich-Edwards, Julie Horn

Published in: Reproductive Health | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Pre-pregnancy obesity increases the risk of perinatal complications. Post-pregnancy is a time of preparation for the next pregnancy and lifestyle advice in antenatal care and postpartum follow-up is therefore recommended. However, behavioral changes are difficult to achieve, and a better understanding of pregnant women’s perspectives and experiences of pre-pregnancy weight development is crucial.

Methods

We used a qualitative design and conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 women in Norway with pre-pregnancy obesity 3–12 months postpartum. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes addressing women’s experiences and understanding of their weight development were generated: (1) Unmet essential needs, (2) Genetic predisposition for obesity, challenging life course transitions and turning points, (3) Under a critical eye: an ever-present negative bodily awareness, and (4) Wrestling with food. Parents’ inability to meet children’s essential needs caused weight gain through an unbalanced diet, increased stress, and emotional eating patterns. Body criticism and a feeling of not belonging led to negative body awareness that influenced behavioral patterns and relationships. Participants reporting having had a good childhood more often described their weight development as a result of genetic predisposition, challenging life course transitions and turning points, such as illness and injuries. Nevertheless, these participants also described how eating patterns were influenced by stress and negative emotions.

Conclusions

Healthcare providers should pay attention to the insider perspectives of pre-pregnancy weight development. An open and shared understanding of the root causes of these women’s weight development can form a basis for more successful lifestyle guidance.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Weight development from childhood to motherhood—embodied experiences in women with pre-pregnancy obesity: a qualitative study
Authors
Heidi L. Sandsæter
Trine Tetlie Eik-Nes
Linn Okkenhaug Getz
Hege S. Haugdahl
Elisabeth Balstad Magnussen
Janet W. Rich-Edwards
Julie Horn
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keywords
Obesity
Obesity
Published in
Reproductive Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1742-4755
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-024-01742-z

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