The Investigation of Maternal Perception, Body Perception, Distress Level and Fear of Chilbirth in Maternal Obesity Pregnancy

• Published in: Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 2023-12
• Main Authors: OCAKTAN, Cevriye, ALAN DİKMEN, Hacer
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2146-9601
• DOI: 10.53424/balikesirsbd.1295786

Purpose: In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between maternal obesity and maternal perception, body perception, distress level and fear of childbirth in pregnant women. Methods: The data of this descriptive-correlational study were obtained by Self-perception Scale of Pregnant Women (SSPW), Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (TGSS), and The Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire A Version (W-DEQ/ A Version). Results: 54.1% of pregnant women were obese according to BMI. 89.6% of the pregnant women reported that they paid attention to adequate and balanced nutrition during pregnancy, and 21.6% of them did regular exercise during pregnancy. A statistically significant difference was found between the presence of obesity in pregnant women and the median score of the Tillburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (p=0,004). There was a significant, positive and low correlation between the median BMI score of the pregnant women and the SSPW (rs=0.146, p=0.017) and the median body perception score (rs=0.158, p=0.010). Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference between the presence of obesity in pregnant women and SSPW, maternal perception, body perception, presence of distress and fear of childbirth. Health care professionals should plan pregnancy, regulate weight gain during pregnancy, and provide nutrition and exercise training for women in the risk group. In Maternal obesity pregnancy, risk factors should be identified at an early stage and a multidisciplinary approach should be followed.