Exploring experiences of pregnancy & childbirth - Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring experiences of pregnancy and childbirth with women of above average weight, midwives and obstetricians
IRAS ID
133356
Contact name
Sushila Chowdhry
Contact email
Research summary
Women with higher body mass indexes (BMIs) have been found to experience more pregnancy, birth and postnatal complications compared to women with lower BMIs. Therefore, pregnancy can be a time where it may be particularly difficult to negotiate the challenges of living with a larger body. Previous studies have highlighted the need for more to be known about the experiences, self-care practices and maternity care experiences of pregnant women with higher BMIs.
In order to address this gap in knowledge, the proposed longitudinal study, will utilise a narrative research framework to explore how women with higher BMIs experience pregnancy, and also explore the perspectives of the midwives and obstetricians who care for them.
The study will involve a minimum of 15 women aged > 16 with a BMI > 35 who are expecting their first baby and receiving maternity care at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital by involving them in three semi-structured interviews during early and late pregnancy and early motherhood. The views, opinions and experiences of a sample of at least six midwives and three obstetricians who work in a variety of maternity care settings will also be sought by involving them in a single semi-structured interview. The data will be analysed using narrative analysis to illuminate the relationships between biomedical, cultural and social contexts, midwife and obstetrician perspectives and the women’s embodied experience of pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. The findings will make a valuable contribution to healthcare knowledge, informing the development of healthcare practice.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
13/NS/0112
Date of REC Opinion
20 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion