JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Regular physical activity (PA), adequate gestational weight gain (GWG) and healthy eating are important for the long-term health of both mother and baby. Hence, it is important that women receive current and updated advice on these topics, and are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the main information sources among pregnant women regarding PA, GWG and nutrition, as well as evaluate how these information sources may affect their health behaviours.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study design, comprising an electronic questionnaire, was distributed to two antenatal clinics, as well as pregnancy-related online chat forums and social media. Inclusion criteria were ≥ 18 years, ≥ 20 weeks gestation and able to read/write Norwegian. In total, 150 pregnant women answered the questionnaire, which was a mix of 11-point Likert scales, close-ended questions and semi close-ended questions with the option to elaborate. The relationship between information sources and selected variables, including health behaviours and descriptive variables, were assessed by logistic regression, linear regression or X2 as appropriate (p < 0.05).

Results:

Mean age (years), gestation week and pre-pregnancy BMI (kg/ m2) were 31.1 (± 4.3), 30.6 (± 5.9) and 24.2 (± 4.2), respectively. More than eight out of ten had received or retrieved information about nutrition (89%) and PA (80%), whereas 54% reported information on GWG. When combining all three lifestyle factors, 38.5% had retrieved information from blogs and Internet forums, and 26.6% from their midwife or family physician. Women reporting Internet and media as their primary source of information on weight gain had increased odds of gaining below the IOM guidelines (OR = 15.5, CI 1.4 – 167.4, P = 0.02). Stating Internet and media as main source on nutritional information was also associated with higher compliance with nutritional guidelines (P = 0.03). On the other side, receiving advice from family and friends on weight gain was significantly associated with gaining above the IOM guidelines (OR = 12.0, CI 1.3 – 111.7, P = 0.03). Otherwise, no other associations were found between information sources and health behaviours.

Conclusions:

The small number of health professionals giving information, and the extensive use of Internet and media based sources, emphasize the need to address the quality of Internet advice and guide women towards trustworthy sources of information during pregnancy. The association between information sources and PA, GWG and nutrition requires further research.