Antenatal experiences of morbidly obese women
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Antenatal experience of an obstetric led pathway for morbidly obese pregnant women (Pregnant women’s experiences of antenatal care when their body mass index (BMI) is 40 or more at their initial meeting with their midwife).
IRAS ID
138217
Contact name
Roger Dalrymple
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Oxford Brookes University
Research summary
The research aims to describe morbidly obese (body mass index (BMI)more than 40)women’s feelings, thoughts and experiences of an obstetric model of antenatal care (i.e. a high-risk pathway).
Every pregnant woman has her BMI calculated at their booking appointment (ideally before their 12th week of pregnancy). If their BMI>40, a standard pathway of care involves referral to consultant led care, screening for diabetes and referral to a consultant anaesthetist. They are counselled on the risks of obesity to themselves and their developing baby, and advised not to gain weight during their pregnancy. This has the potential to influence the way the woman perceives her pregnancy when compared to women with a normal BMI who remain under midwifery led care and experience a much more optimistic view of their pregnancy.
Women’s experiences of this pathway will be used to develop or reinforce antenatal care for women with a raised BMI.
The study will take place in a teaching hospital and women will be invited to take part if they had a BMI of >40 at their booking appointment. Interviews will take place during the 3rd trimester of their pregnancy and they will last no longer
than an hour.
Women will receive feedback from the research with an explanation of how the information they provided has helped the study and the future care of pregnant women.REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/0078
Date of REC Opinion
10 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion