Exploring Pregnant Women's Perceptions and Experiences of Adiposity Measurements in Routine Antenatal Care: A Qualitative Study.

ABSTRACT: Background/objectives: Maternal adiposity is a known risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, yet routine antenatal care primarily relies on body mass index (BMI), which has limitations. This study aimed to explore the acceptability of incorporating a broader range of adiposity measurements into early pregnancy antenatal care, assessing pregnant women's perceptions to inform implementation strategies. Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with 14 pregnant women purposively sampled to capture variation in BMI, age, and parity. Interviews occurred approximately 4-5 months post-measurement experience. The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) guided thematic analysis of transcribed data, with independent coding to ensure rigour.

SUBMITTER: Lennie SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12562455 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature