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

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.