Weight and body image during pregnancy: a qualitative study of the experience of pregnant women, midwives and dietitians.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Pregnancy is a time of rapid physical transformations. Medical and societal pressures regarding women's weight and body image throughout pregnancy may increase body dissatisfaction, which can negatively affect psychological health and health behaviors. Yet healthcare providers (HCPs) often feel uncomfortable addressing the topic. This study explored women's experiences of body changes during pregnancy, as well as the practices and challenges faced by midwives and dietitians in supporting them.

Methods

A purposeful sample of 20 pregnant women (16-32 weeks of gestation) in Switzerland participated in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. In addition, four focus groups were conducted with six midwives and four dietitians. All narratives were transcribed verbatim and

SUBMITTER: Carrard I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12777822 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature