Experiences regarding nutrition and exercise among women during early postpartum: a qualitative grounded theory study.

Beth Murray-Davis, Lindsay Grenier, Stephanie A Atkinson, Michelle F Mottola, Olive Wahoush, Lehana Thabane, Feng Xie, Jennifer Vickers-Manzin, Caroline Moore, Eileen K Hutton

Journal: BMC pregnancy and childbirth 2020;19(1):368

PMID: 31638920

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Abstract

BACKGROUND

Excess gestational weight gain has long- and short-term implications for women and children, and postpartum weight retention is associated with an increased risk of long-term obesity. Despite the existence of dietary and exercise guidelines, many women struggle to return to pre-pregnancy weight. Experiences of women in tackling postpartum weight loss are poorly understood. We undertook this study to explore experiences related to nutrition, exercise and weight in the postpartum in women in Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

This was a nested qualitative study within The Be Healthy in Pregnancy Study, a randomized controlled trial. Women randomized to the control group were invited to participate. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted at 4-6 months postpartum. Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and analyzed thematically using a constructivist grounded theory approach.

RESULTS

Women experienced a complex relationship with their body image, due to unrealistic expectations related to their postpartum body. Participants identified barriers and enablers to healthy habits during pregnancy and postpartum. Gestational weight gain guidelines were regarded as unhelpful and unrealistic. A lack of guidance and information about weight management, healthy eating, and exercise in the postpartum period was highlighted.

CONCLUSION

Strategies for weight management that target the unique characteristics of the postpartum period have been neglected in research and in patient counselling. Postpartum women may begin preparing for their next pregnancy and support during this period could improve their health for subsequent pregnancies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01689961 registered September 21, 2012.

Address: McMaster Midwifery Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. [email protected].; McMaster Midwifery Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.; Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.; R. Samuel McLaughlin Foundation- Exercise and Pregnancy Lab, School of Kinesiology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.; Global Health, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.; School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.; Biostatistics Unit, Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada.; Public Health Services-Healthy Families, Healthy & Safe Communities, City of Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada.

DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2508-z

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MeSH Terms: Adult, Exercise, Exercise Therapy, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Grounded Theory, Humans, Incidence, Nutritional Status, Obesity, Ontario, Postpartum Period, Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Qualitative Research, Retrospective Studies, Risk Factors, Time Factors, Weight Gain