Acceptability of a Weight Management Intervention for Pregnant and Postpartum XXXX with BMI >= 30 kg/m2: A Qualitative Evaluation of an Individualized, Home-Based Service.

@entity1 @entity28
OBJECTIVES: There have been recent calls for more evidence regarding effective antenatal and postnatal interventions to address the serious health risks of maternal @entity28 and associated childhood @entity28 . The Maternal and Early Years Healthy Weight Service (MAEYS) is an innovative service, delivered by specialist healthy weight advisors, for @entity28 @entity1 (BMI >= 30 kg/m2) during pregnancy and up to 2 years after delivery. The service focuses on healthy gestational weight gain, postpartum weight loss and establishing healthy @entity1 feeding and active play. MAEYS was adopted by six local health organizations in the U.K. as a 1 year pilot program. The aim of the present research was to assess the acceptability of this intervention among MAEYS @entity1 . METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with 20 @entity1 , with data analyzed thematically. RESULTS: High levels of acceptability were reported. The convenience and comfort of home visits, personalized advice on diet and physical activity, supportive approach of the healthy weight advisor and regular weight monitoring were all cited as advantages of the service. Service users suggested that more frequent contact with advisors and practical support such as recipes would improve the service. CONCLUSIONS: MAEYS is a novel, community-based intervention delivered in the home which has demonstrated acceptability to its recipients. It therefore shows promise as an early intervention to reduce the risks of maternal @entity28 and subsequently reduce childhood @entity28 . An evaluation of the efficacy of MAEYS in preventing excess gestational weight gain and losing weight postpartum is now needed.
