Nutrition Practitioner Perceptions of Nutrition Education with Pregnant Clients

Abstract

Objective: Nutrition education during pregnancy is associated with improved maternal and fetal outcomes. This study explored nutrition practitioner perceptions of providing nutrition education to this population and examined gaps in current practices.

Methods: North Carolina nutrition practitioners (n = 73) working with pregnant women were asked to complete a survey about their provision of nutrition services to pregnant clients. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics.

Results: Cost (91%) and lack of time to cook (83%) were perceived as the largest barriers for clients to making dietary changes. Topics most requested by clients paralleled those practitioners identified as needs: weight gain (69%), lactation (63%), and general nutrition information (57%). Pamphlets (97%), posters (66%), telehealth (42%), and texting (38%) were accepted education methods.

Conclusions and implications: Evidence-based education on weight, lactation, and general nutrition, using time and cost-efficient approaches, and embracing technology were desired by pregnant clients when receiving nutrition education from nutrition and other health care practitioners and may result in improved maternal and fetal outcomes.

Keywords: maternal health; nutrition education; pregnancy nutrition; pregnant.