Obesity in Pregnancy: A Qualitative Approach to Inform an Intervention for XXXX and Providers.

@entity1 @entity28
UNASSIGNED: To investigate perceptions of minority pregnant @entity1 and providers about @entity28 and gestational weight gain (GWG), and to explore strategies to improve management of @entity28 in pregnancy with an emphasis on group prenatal care. Sixteen primarily non-Hispanic black pregnant @entity1 with a body mass index  >=   30  kg/m(2) and 19 prenatal care providers participated in focus groups. Discussion topics included GWG goals, body image, health behaviors, and group prenatal care with additional emphasis on provider training needs. @entity1 frequently stated a GWG goal >20  lbs. @entity1 described a body image not in line with clinical recommendations ("200 pounds is not that big."). They avoided the term " @entity28 ". They were interested in learning about nutrition and culturally-acceptable healthy cooking. @entity1 would enjoy massage and exercise in group settings, though definitions of "exercise" varied. Family members could help, but generational differences posed challenges. Most had to "encourage myself" and "do this for me and the baby". Providers expressed discomfort discussing GWG and difficulty finding the right words for @entity28 , which was partially attributed to their own weight. They noted the challenges they faced during prenatal care including time constraints, cultural myths, and system issues. Providers considered a group setting with social support an ideal environment to address health behaviors in @entity28 @entity1 . Culturally-tailored programs that use acceptable terms for @entity28 , provide education regarding healthy eating and safe exercise, and encourage support from social networks may be effective in addressing GWG in @entity28 minority @entity1 . Provider training in communication skills is necessary to address @entity28 in pregnancy.
