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Barriers and Facilitators of Weight Management in Pregnancy for Women Overweight and Obese: A Qualitative Research

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Student Research Committee, Nursing and Midwifery School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Department of Midwifery, Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

4 Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

10.30476/jhsss.2024.102402.1908

Abstract

Background: Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) in overweight/obese pregnant women has multiple adverse outcomes on maternal and neonatal health. A better understanding of pregnant women’s perceptions and experiences regarding barriers and facilitators of weight management during pregnancy is necessary to develop interventions to prevent excessive GWG among this group.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted with 16 pregnant women having a body mass index (BMI) over 25. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis.
Results: The findings of this study were categorized into two main themes: barriers and facilitators of weight management during pregnancy. Barriers included six subcategories: overeating due to previous habits and context, eating changes related to pregnancy, beliefs about weight management, physical activity limitations, difficulty adhering to a diet, and the use of defense mechanisms. Facilitators were grouped into three subcategories: social support from spouse, family, and friends; focus on weight control motivation; and education and counseling.
Conclusion: This qualitative study analyzed the challenges and facilitators of weight management in overweight and obese pregnant women. The results indicate multiple barriers and success factors affecting weight management. These findings emphasize that effective interventions should focus on identifying and overcoming existing barriers while strengthening facilitating factors, providing appropriate social and educational support considering cultural and individual beliefs to ensure better maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Highlights

Elahe Banafshe (PubMed)

Nahid Javadifar (PubMed)

Keywords

References
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Journal of Health Sciences & Surveillance System
Volume 13, Issue 3
July 2025
Pages 265-274
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