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British Columbia Perinatal Health Program (2009) Maternal Overweight, Obesity and Excess Gestational Weight Gain: Identification of Maternal and Perinatal Implications and Primary Maternity Care Providers’ Opportunities for Interventions to Improve Health Outcomes. B.C. Perinatal Health Program, Vancouver.

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: “It’s a Wild Ride”: A Phenomenological Exploration of High Maternal, Gestational Weight Gain

  AUTHORS: Cynthia L. Murray

  KEYWORDS: Embodiment/Bodily Experiences, Phenomenology, Lived Experience, Pregnancy, Weight Gain

  JOURNAL NAME: Health, Vol.6 No.18, October 31, 2014

  ABSTRACT: High maternal, gestational weight gain is associated with high birthweight, large-for-gestational-age birthweights, cesarean delivery, child overweight, and short- and long-term postpartum weight retention. In this phenomenological study, the meaning and experiences of weight gain for pregnant women with high gestational weight gain were investigated. Data were collected through interviews with pregnant women from Atlantic Canada. van Manen’s method of phenomenology was utilized. The data analysis revealed four patterns or major themes: being caught off guard; losing your bearings; hanging on for dear life; and hoping for health. The participants experienced their gestational weight gain as an unexpected “wild ride” that they could not control. The findings highlight the need for health care professionals to provide pregnant women with more support concerning gestational weight gain.