Abstract:

Objective: The study aimed to examine the relationship between maternal obesity and motherhood perception, body perception, distress level and fear of birth in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: The data of the study, which was designed as a descriptive and relationship-seeking type, were collected between December 2021 and April 2022, using an introductory information form, the Self-perception Scale of Pregnant Women (SSPW), the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (TPDS), and the Wijma Birth Expectation/Experience Scale-A Version (W). -Collected with DBÖ/A Version). Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation test, Kruskal Wallis test and chi-square test. Results: The median gestational age of the pregnant women participating in the study was 34 (21-40) and the median BMI was 30.46 (9.38-39.86). 54.1% of the pregnant women were obese according to BMI. 89.6%of pregnant women reported that they paid attention to adequate and balanced nutrition during pregnancy, and 21.6% reported that they did regular exercise during pregnancy. A statistically significant difference was detected between the presence of obesity in pregnant women and the median score of the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (p=0.004). There was a significant, positive and low-level correlation between the pregnant women’s median BMI score and BMI (rs=0.146, p=0.017) and body perception median score (rs=0.158, p=0.010). Conclusion: No statistically significant difference was found between the presence of obesity in pregnant women and Vas, perception of motherhood, body perception, presence of distress and fear of birth. Health care professionals should plan pregnancy, regulate weight gain during pregnancy, and provide nutrition and exercise training to women in the risk group.

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