[The impact of obesity in pregnancy]

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like thank my mother (late) who motivated me to undertake this programme. A big thank to senior sister Mrs Amaefule, colleagues for their tremendous support and patience

This journey would not have been possible without the help of my supervisor and the academic support I got from her, the librarians at City University and at the university college hospital

DECLARATION

I [type your full first names and surname here] hereby declare that the matter and the ideas presented in this report is my own unaided word and the contents of this research have not been submitted earlier for any educational purpose.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the impact of obesity in pregnancy. A systematic review of existing related empirical and theoretical knowledge was undertaken. A total of 20 articles were evaluated. The articles were cross-referenced to identify mutual themes amongst them. A total of 3 themes were highlighted which basically impacted upon the decision to investigate obesity in pregnancy: barriers to effective midwifery practice, evidence based midwifery, influence of service provision on midwifery practice. The data was critically evaluated to assess for any balance or falsification in reported findings and appropriate care was given to ethical considerations. The first chapter of this dissertation introduces the topic, explains the formulation of the research question and its aims and objectives. It seeks to explore the historical background and the issues surrounding obesity in pregnancy and its management. The second chapter demonstrates the methods that will be used: how the literature was searched as well as the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The third chapter is a discussion of the themes relating to the impact of obesity in pregnancy. The last chapter of this assignment discus the implications and recommendations for future midwifery practice, and education and management.

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTii

DECLARATIONiii

Abstractiv

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION7

Background7

Justification for the study7

Research Question10

Aims and Objectives11

Midwifery practice12

Importance to Midwifery Practice12

Midwifery perspective13

Chapter 2: Literature Review14

Obesity Epidemic14

Definition of Overweight and Obesity15

Medical Aspects of Overweight16

Obesity and Motherhood16

Obesity and Pregnancy17

Obesity and Delivery18

Obesity and Mothering18

Mother Obesity and Childhood Obesity19

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY21

Theoretical Framework22

Data Sources22

Rational for Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria23

Ethical Consideration25

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS27

Introduction27

Organizing the emerging dominant themes and sub categories27

The Mother27

A Mother's Experience of Pregnancy27

Fear of caesarean section28

Associated risk28

Pre-pregnancy weight reduction29

Threats to Maternal Health29

The Baby29

Fear of big baby (>4000g)29

Fear of underweight or pre-term30

Obesity in childhood30

Reduction in adult life expectancy30

The Healthcare Professional30

Demand for additional care and resource from service providers31

Antenatal dietary and lifestyle intervention for pregnant women31

Dietary modification31

Increased physical activity31

Booking appointments31

Care requirements32

Health Requirements32

Unit of Analysis32

CHAPTER 5: ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION35

Maternal Health around the World35

REFERENCES38

Appendices45

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background

This literature review seeks to critically explore the impact of obesity on women of childbearing age. This title was arrived at through a systematic approach of refining an initial research problem and developing it into a workable hypothesis and the use of a theoretical framework. Haber (1998) postulates that recognition of a research problem and subsequent development of research hypothesis and question are crucial steps in the research process. The literature review also aims to determine the ...