Should midwives consider associated psychological factors when caring for women who are obese?

Abstract

Background: In the UK, 15.6% of the maternal population are obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2), posing serious health consequences to the woman and fetus. Current maternal weight management interventions, focusing on healthy diet and exercise, fail to adequately address this problem, which may be attributable to a bidirectional association between maternal obesity and psychological factors not being addressed. Aims: The aim of this reflective literature review is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to suggest that midwives should consider psychological factors when caring for women who are obese. Methods: A literature review was undertaken of papers from academic journals, dissertations, theses and professional magazines, published between 2005 and 2015. A total of 529 articles were returned, of which 10 were selected for review. Findings: Critical analysis of 10 relevant studies confirms an association between maternal obesity and women's psychological wellbeing. Many midwives are aware of this relationship, but feel they lack the knowledge and interpersonal competence to address such issues. Conclusions: Midwives require greater understanding of psychological complexities surrounding pregnancy weight management, and training in person-centred counselling techniques, in order to optimise health outcomes for women and neonates.