Weight expectations

There is a gap, however, in the literature relating to the psychological, emotional, and social implications of overweight and obesity in pregnancy, as well as the self-described experiences of women with overweight or obesity and those of their health care providers. [...] The semi- structured interviews consisted of conversations around all stages of pregnancy and the models of practice used to provide maternity care from both the perspectives of the women and practitioners. [...] Between 2011 and 2012, the Atlantic Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health and Prairie Women’s Health Centre of Excellence undertook a joint project to gain a greater understanding of the implications of maternal overweight and obesity, the experiences of pregnant women who are overweight or obese, and the provision of maternity care for overweight or obese women. [...] Psychological, emotional, and social aspects played a large role in women’s experiences of pregnancy and maternity care and need to be included in our understanding of the relationship between overweight and obesity and health. [...] Practitioners, with few resources and limited education or training in the area, are doing their best to provide optimal care and support to women with overweight or obesity and many found it challenging to engage in weight-related conversations and practices with overweight and obese women.