Women's experiences of changes in eating during pregnancy: A qualitative study in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Abstract

Background: The goal of optimal nutrition in pregnancy is to improve health outcomes for both mother and child. Healthy weight gain in pregnancy has therefore become recognised as an important aspect of perinatal care. Intuitive Eating and related ‘mindful eating’ have been associated with lower gestational weight gain and improved glucose control in pregnancy. Healthy weight gain in pregnancy is a current public health promotion message in New Zealand. Objective: To explore women’s experiences of eating in pregnancy, in the context of intuitive eating. Method: This was a qualitative interview-based study of 12 purposively sampled pregnant women referred by their Lead Maternity Carer, in New Zealand. We investigated these women’s perceived experiences of how their eating changed in pregnancy, specifically in the context of the phenomenon of intuitive eating. Participants were interviewed incorporating a cognitive ‘think-aloud’ process, whilst completing the Intuitive Eating Scale Questionnaire, followed by a semi-structured interview to discuss their experiences of eating. Themes were derived using a general inductive approach. Findings: Four themes regarding eating during pregnancy were identified: Theme one - How women feel; Theme two - External influences; Theme three - Changed eating by choice; and Theme four - Motivation to change. Changes in eating were driven by a variety of reasons which differed between women and between pregnancies. Participants described pregnancy as a time of change with regard to their experiences of eating. Conclusion: The findings of this study support Phelan’s model of pregnancy as a teachable moment for eating behaviours, which provides a potential opportunity to inform women about healthy eating.