Maternity care providers’ attitudes and beliefs toward weight and body size during pregnancy: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background

Weight stigma is pervasive in society and negatively affects the quality of maternity care for women with larger bodies. Healthcare providers’ attitudes and beliefs about weight and larger bodied people contribute to experiences of weight stigma, yet the extent of weight stigma attitudes and beliefs in Australian maternity care providers is not known.

Objective

This study aimed to explore maternity care providers’ attitudes and beliefs regarding weight and body size during pregnancy.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey with Australian maternity care providers, using the Fat Attitudes Assessment Toolkit (FAAT), with an open-ended ‘any other comments’ text response, was undertaken. Quantitative responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative inductive content analysis.

Results

Maternity care providers (n = 243) from across Australia responded to the survey. Responses indicated a strong emphasis on empathy towards larger bodied pregnant women, with providers acknowledging the socioeconomic and societal impact on the complexity of weight and body size. Responses also highlighted providers’ internalised weight stigma. Free-text responses reflected mixed views on the balance between addressing health risks and avoiding weight stigma, with a need for more resources and education on weight-inclusive care.

Conclusion

Maternity care providers are aware of the complexities of caring for larger bodied women. Tailored interventions that promote empathy and reduce weight-based discrimination are recommended.