Developing a community-based maternal obesity intervention: a qualitative study of service providers' views.

The aim of this study was to explore healthcare professionals' views on the development of multicomponent interventions for obese pregnant women. A cohort of 22 healthcare professionals was interviewed. The interview transcripts were analysed thematically. Three key themes were highlighted by the interviews: (1) the lack of existing services for obese pregnant women in south-east London; (2) the barriers and challenges that need to be overcome (e.g. ethnic and cultural) when considering the creation of a new service for obese women who are pregnant; (3) the possible components of a new intervention. The findings of this study will inform the design of a programme to combat maternal obesity.