Health literacy and related behaviour among pregnant women with obesity: a qualitative interpretive description study

BACKGROUND: Obesity in pregnant women is increasing worldwide, affecting the health of both mother and baby. Obesity may be associated with inadequate health literacy, a central competence when navigating antenatal health information and services. This study explores women’s health literacy by examining their knowledge, motivation and skills to access, understand and evaluate health information and the related behaviour among a sample of pregnant women with a prepregnant body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m(2). METHODS: An inductive, qualitative study using an interpretive description methodology. Data was collected through ten semi-structured interviews with pregnant women with a prepregnancy BMI > 25 kg/m(2) attending antenatal care at the midwifery clinic at Aarhus University Hospital in the Central Denmark Region. RESULTS: Pregnant women with obesity understand general health information provided by health professionals, but translating this knowledge into specific healthy behaviours presents a challenge. Although difficulties navigating booking systems and available digital services contribute to this problem, apps can help facilitate navigation. However, successful navigation may depend on adequate e-health literacy. Conflicting information from health professionals, social media and families also present a challenge for pregnant women, requiring a broad skillset for critical evaluation and resolution. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate health literacy is necessary for pregnant women receiving antenatal care to (i) translate general health information into personalised healthy behaviour, (ii) access and navigate complex and digitalised systems, and (iii) critically evaluate conflicting information. Person-centred differentiation in the organisation of antenatal care may benefit vulnerable pregnant women with inadequate health literacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered cf. General Data Protection Regulation, Aarhus University Journal number 2016–051-000001, serial number 1934. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-05023-0.