Exploring Overweight and Obese Women’s Desires and Expectations from Midwives Concerning Sexual and Reproductive Health : a Research Plan

Abstract

Introduction: The scope of midwifery practice encompasses education and care in relation to sexual and reproductive health. With an ever-increasing population of overweight and obese child-bearing women, midwives are confronted with a population that has distinct needs and concerns regarding how they wish to receive care and counseling from a midwife about sexual and reproductive health. Despite this, heavier women face multiple challenges that could potentially serve as a roadblock to receiving adequate care in these subjects from a midwife. To better understand the encounters between women with elevated BMI and midwives concerning reproductive and sexual health, and improve current midwifery practice in the field, a study is proposed to ask: what do overweight and obese women desire and expect from midwives concerning sexual and reproductive health in the perinatal period, and; what has been their experience with midwives in this regard? Method: A needs assessment survey with both quantitative and qualitative data collection is proposed. A questionnaire will be developed with the help of literature research and consultations from various interest groups to appropriately explore the subject. Women will be recruited from antenatal centers, midwifery and gynecological practices, obesity specialists, and other areas with connection to the subject population. They will be filtered with the help of online survey software to the following criteria: cis-gender women with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or greater, between the ages of 18 and 50, who have been or wish to become pregnant. Data will be collected and analyzed with the help of statistical software tools and thematic analysis techniques. Expected Findings: It is possible women will bring up experiences of medical and societal weight stigma, the absence of quality sexual and reproductive health care and counseling, poor communication from midwives, and feelings of excessive shame leading to care avoidance. Discussion: Rigorous steps will be taken during the development of the questionnaire and throughout the process of analysis to increase the validity of the findings. Limitations and bias, including volunteer bias and hostile attribution bias, are addressed and, when possible, solutions given to mitigate their influence. Conclusion: This study plan seeks to emphasize the importance of studies like this one to improve upon midwifery practice for heavier women by elevating their voices to offer a more holistic, individualized approach to their care and counseling moving forward.