Psychological issues facing obese pregnant women: a systematic review

To identify, by qualitative and quantitative studies, the psychological aspects considered and/or evaluated during the prenatal care of obese pregnant women, as well as the psychological interventions adopted by health services.

Systematic review of literature using a mixed method approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative studies. We used databases (Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and SciELO) and publications from January 2003 to June 2013 using "Obesity," "Pregnancy," "Psy,*" or "Psychology" as Medical Subject Headings (MeSH terms). Prospective cohort, cross-sectional, case-control, clinical trial, and qualitative research studies were included. Eight articles are included in this review, three with qualitative and five with quantitative methodology.

The majority of the studies demonstrate that emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, and stress are associated with the raising of Body Mass Index (BMI) during pregnancy. The results of the qualitative studies show psychological distress related to humiliation and exposure to stigmas surrounding obesity and its connection with gestation.

There is an emotional demand related to obesity during pregnancy, which should be considered by prenatal multidisciplinary care team. There is a need to increasing attention and support provided for obese pregnant women.