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Diet and physical activity in pregnancy: a study exploring women's beliefs and behaviours
Chana, R.
Chana, R.
Publication Date
2019-05-02
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Rights
(c) 2019 MA Healthcare. This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in British Journal of Midwifery, after peer-review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2019.27.5.297.
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
openAccess
Accepted for publication
2019-03-19
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Department
Awarded
Embargo end date
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Abstract
Being obese or gaining excessive weight during pregnancy can increase health risks for mother and baby. Adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity reduces these risks and has long-term health benefits for women. Despite this, women do not always maintain a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.
Aim
To explore the factors that encouraged and prevented a diverse group of women to maintain a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.
Methods
A total of 12 women participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews, underpinned by the theory of planned behaviour. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim then subject to deductive thematic analysis.
Findings
Four themes emerged: women's knowledge of a healthy lifestyle, sociocultural influences, physical health and health professional support. These influenced women's intentions and actual behaviours during pregnancy.
Conclusions
Enhanced health professional advice may motivate women to adopt a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. This could be through new means such as health technology.
Version
Accepted manuscript
Citation
Chana R and Haith-Cooper M (2019) Diet and physical activity in pregnancy: a study exploring women's beliefs and behaviours. British Journal of Midwifery. 27(5): 297-304.
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Type
Article