scholarly journals Maternal Nutrition Education Provided by Midwives: A Qualitative Study in an Antenatal Clinic, Uganda

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce Nankumbi ◽  
Tom Dennis Ngabirano ◽  
Gorrette Nalwadda

Maternalnutrition during pregnancy affects the health of the mother and baby. The objective of this paper is to describe the maternal nutrition education offered by midwives to women attending an antenatal clinic. The study also examined the resources, support, and the needs of the midwives in offering the nutrition education. Six in-depth interviews with the midwives, six direct structured observations of the group education, and 12 one-on-one interactions of midwife and pregnant women observations were completed. The interviews and field observation notes were typed and analyzed using the latent content analysis. The emerging themes were the maternal nutrition education and the education needs of the midwives. The content and presentation of maternal nutrition were inadequate in scope and depth. The maternal nutrition education was offered to only pregnant women attending the first antenatal care visit. The routine antenatal education session lasted 45 minutes to 1 hour, covering a variety of topics, but the nutritional component was allotted minimal time (5–15 minutes). The organization, mode of delivery, guidelines, resources, and service environment were extremely deficient. The relevance of appropriate weight gain during pregnancy, guidelines for healthy habits, avoidance of substance abuse, and nutrition precautions in special circumstances was missing in the nutrition presentation. Information, maternal nutrition education resources, infrastructure, and health system gaps were identified. There was an inefficient nutrition education offered to the pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic. As means of promoting effective nutrition education, appropriate in-service training, mentorship, and support for the midwives are needed, as well as infrastructural and resource provision.

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gamuchirai Chakona ◽  
Charlie Shackleton

A well-nourished and healthy population is a central tenet of sustainable development. In South Africa, cultural beliefs and food taboos followed by some pregnant women influence their food consumption, which impacts the health of mothers and children during pregnancy and immediately afterwards. We documented food taboos and beliefs amongst pregnant isiXhosa women from five communities in the Kat River Valley, South Africa. A mixed-methods approach was used, which was comprised of questionnaire interviews with 224 women and nine focus group discussions with 94 participants. Overall, 37% of the women reported one or more food practices shaped by local cultural taboos or beliefs. The most commonly avoided foods were meat products, fish, potatoes, fruits, beans, eggs, butternut and pumpkin, which are rich in essential micronutrients, protein and carbohydrates. Most foods were avoided for reasons associated with pregnancy outcome, labour and to avoid an undesirable body form for the baby. Some pregnant women consumed herbal decoctions for strengthening pregnancy, facilitating labour and overall health of both themselves and the foetus. Most learnt of the taboos and practices from their own mother or grandmother, but there was also knowledge transmission in social groups. Some pregnant women in the study may be considered nutritionally vulnerable due to the likelihood of decreased intake of nutrient-rich foods resulting from cultural beliefs and food taboos against some nutritious foods. Encouraging such women to adopt a healthy diet with more protein-rich foods, vegetables and fruits would significantly improve maternal nutrition and children’s nutrition. Adhering to culturally appropriate nutrition education may be an important care practice for many pregnant women in the Kat River Valley.


2015 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 454-459 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. M. Nnam

Much has been learned during the past several decades about the role of maternal nutrition in the outcome of pregnancy. While the bulk of the data is derived from animal models, human observations are gradually accumulating. There is need to improve maternal nutrition because of the high neonatal mortality rate especially in developing countries. The author used a conceptual framework which took both primary and secondary factors into account when interpreting study findings. Nutrition plays a vital role in reducing some of the health risks associated with pregnancy such as risk of fetal and infant mortality, intra-uterine growth retardation, low birth weight and premature births, decreased birth defects, cretinism, poor brain development and risk of infection. Adequate nutrition is essential for a woman throughout her life cycle to ensure proper development and prepare the reproductive life of the woman. Pregnant women require varied diets and increased nutrient intake to cope with the extra needs during pregnancy. Use of dietary supplements and fortified foods should be encouraged for pregnant women to ensure adequate supply of nutrients for both mother and foetus. The author concludes that nutrition education should be a core component of Mother and Child Health Clinics and every opportunity should be utilised to give nutrition education on appropriate diets for pregnant women.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anisha Deuja ◽  
Radha Paudel

Background: Pregnancy is a normal process in the female life cycle. The complexity of the changes caused by pregnancy restricted to not only the physical problems, but also psychological and social problems and impact on health related quality of life (HRQOL). The objectives of the study were to assess the HRQOL and find out the associations of HRQOL with socio-demographic and obstetric factors of pregnant women. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used among 106 pregnant women. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. Data were collected using semi-structured interview schedule that were analyzed by using descriptive statistical methods such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics as chi-square test. Findings: The study showed that respondent’s level of QoL was highest on psychological domain (96.2%) and the lowest level (14.2%) was found in Physical domain. There was significant association of physical domain in Quality of Life with the age (p=0.003) while type of family, parity, mode of delivery and duration of pregnancy were not associated with physical, psychological and social domain at 0.005 level of significance. Conclusions: Based on the findings, this study concludes that the quality of life of pregnant women in general tends to be good. The physical domain is most affected rather than psychological and social domain. Level of QoL of the pregnant women in Physical domain is seems to be associated with age. Initiation of the especial counseling on the institution that address to physical domain must be to promote the quality of life in all domain of the pregnant women. Keywords: Pregnant women; Health-related quality of life; Antenatal clinic


Author(s):  
Poojan Dogra ◽  
Reena Sharma

<p><strong>Background: </strong>The rising rate of caesarean section is the subject of concern worldwide. The aim of our study was to know the knowledge, attitude and preferences of pregnant women towards the mode of delivery in a tertiary care centre and hence to see weather this is a contributing factor towards rinsing trend of caesarean delivery or not.  </p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a prospective questionnaire study conducted on 100 antenatal women in third trimester who attended the antenatal clinic in SLBS GMC Mandi at Nerchowk from 1<sup>st</sup> June, 2017 to 1<sup>st</sup> September 2017.The information regarding socio-demographic profile, obstetric history, knowledge and attitude statements towards vaginal delivery and caesarean section was collected and analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Total of 100 women was interviewed in our study. Out of these, majority (85%) had received education up to High school and above. Majority of the women (90%) had the positive attitude towards vaginal delivery. The most frequently mentioned source of information about the mode of delivery was relatives and friends. Almost half of women agreed to the statement that vaginal delivery creates a more affectionate mother and baby relationship.  Majority of women co-relate that caesarean section was associated with more complications and not good in long term outcome. Economic factors did not play an important role in deciding caesarean birth.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Majority of pregnant women interviewed were interested to deliver vaginally, while some women were indecisive due to lack of knowledge and some due to apprehension of labor pains during vaginal delivery wanted to undergo a caesarean section. Appropriate counselling of pregnant women and their partners will help in changing their outlook and make them a better judge while choosing their preferences.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilska Michalina ◽  
Brandt-Salmeri Anna ◽  
Kołodziej-Zaleska Anna ◽  
Banaś Ewa ◽  
Gelner Hanna ◽  
...  

AbstractThe purpose of our study was to elucidate the association between obstetric and psychological factors and fear of childbirth (FOC) during the third trimester of pregnancy and to identify women at risk of severe FOC in Poland. An additional goal of the study was to verify the Polish version of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ) and to establish its psychometric characteristics. Cross-sectional study with a total of 359 women recruited during routine visits to an antenatal clinic in Poland during the third trimester (≥ 27 weeks gestation). The survey included obstetric details (parity, obstetric history and preferred mode of delivery), and standardized psychological measures: the W-DEQ (fear of childbirth) and the EPDS (depressive symptoms). We demonstrated the satisfactory psychometric properties of the Polish version of the W-DEQ. Our findings confirm the one-factor structure found by the authors of the original version of the scale. A greater FOC was reported by women with unplanned pregnancies, women whose preferred mode of delivery was a cesarean section, and women who had previously undergone psychiatric treatment. The risk factors for severe FOC were depression, unplanned pregnancy or parity, and disagreement with the birth plan proposed by the obstetrician. The W-DEQ is a widely used, valid instrument for the assessment of FOC in pregnant women and can be used in Poland. Findings support the key role of obstetric and psychological variables in predicting fear of childbirth.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 170-170
Author(s):  
Morseda Chowdhury ◽  
Imran Chowdhury

Abstract Objectives The objective of the implementation research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a maternal and child nutrition-focused multi-component intervention, and assess the feasibility of incorporating it into an existing PHC program. Methods A cluster randomized impact evaluation compared the impact in terms of coverage of intervention, consumption of diversified foods and macro- and micronutrients during pregnancy, and early breastfeeding practices. A similar study was conducted among pregnant (n = 600) and recently delivered women (n = 2000) which examined factors influencing maternal nutrition practices. Cross-sectional surveys (2015 & 2016) were (n = 1000 women & 700 husbands) conducted to document the impact of husbands’ support on women's supplement intake and dietary diversity. Three subsequent cross-sectional studies (2013, 2014 & 2015) were conducted to evaluate the impact of a large scale SBCC program aimed at maternal dietary behavior and IYCF practices. A cRCT among 900 pregnant women assessed the relationship between maternal nutrition education and infant birthweight. Results Results showed that good nutrition knowledge was the key maternal factor associated with higher consumption of IFA (β = 32.5, 95% CI: 19.5, 45.6) and calcium (β 31.9, 95% CI: 20.9, 43.0) and diverse diet (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0 ± 3.1). The mean dietary diversity score of pregnant women increased from 4.28 + 1.08 to 4.76 + 1.16. About 83% of the respondents-initiated breastfeeding within an hour of childbirth, which was 62% at baseline. Less than a fifth (18%) of the children were eating a minimally acceptable diet at baseline, which reached to 52% by endline. Study showed that husbands support played a critical role for the women to increase supplement intake and dietary diversity. Nutrition counselling during pregnancy increased mean birthweight by 127.5 g (95% CI: 11.1 to 243.9; P = 0.032) and the risk of LBW was reduced by 54% (relative risk (RR): 0.43; 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.75; P = 0.003). Conclusions Integration of nutrition intervention into the existing health programme was feasible and well-implemented. Although differences in coverage and counselling quality most explained most impacts, all intervention elements particularly CHW training and performance were likely important to achieving impact. Funding Sources BRAC.


Author(s):  
Enrico Ferrazzi ◽  
Luigi Frigerio ◽  
Valeria Savasi ◽  
Patrizia Vergani ◽  
Federico Prefumo ◽  
...  

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1652
Author(s):  
Margaret Charnley ◽  
Lisa Newson ◽  
Andrew Weeks ◽  
Julie Abayomi

Good maternal nutrition is key to optimal maternal and foetal health. A poor-quality diet is often associated with obesity, and the prevalence and severity of maternal obesity has increased significantly in recent years. This study observed dietary intakes in pregnant women living with obesity and assessed the quality of their diet. In total, 140 women with a singleton pregnancy, aged > 18 years and BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2, were recruited from antenatal clinics, weighed and completed food diaries at 16-, 28- and 36-weeks’ gestation. Clinical data were recorded directly from the women’s medical records. Nutrient intake was determined using ‘MicrodietTM’, then compared to Dietary Reference Values (DRVs). Energy intakes were comparable with DRVs, but intakes of sugar and saturated fatty acids were significantly higher. Intake of fibre and several key micronutrients (Iron, Iodine, Folate and Vitamin D) were significantly low. Several adverse obstetric outcomes were higher than the general obstetric population. Women with obesity, often considered ‘over nourished’, may have diets deficient in essential micronutrients, often associated with poor obstetric outcomes. To address the intergenerational transmission of poor health via poor diets warrants a multi-disciplinary approach focusing away from ‘dieting’ onto positive messages, emphasising key nutrients required for good maternal and foetal health.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saran Tenzin Tamang ◽  
Thinley Dorji ◽  
Sonam Yoezer ◽  
Thinley Phuntsho ◽  
Phurb Dorji

Abstract Background The third Sustainable Development Goal for 2030 development agenda aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. Pregnant women’s understanding of danger signs is an important factor in seeking timely care during emergencies. We assessed knowledge of obstetric danger signs using both recall and understanding of appropriate action required during obstetric emergencies. Methods This was a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Bhutan’s largest hospital in Thimphu. Recall was assessed against seven obstetric danger signs outlined in the Mother and Child Health Handbook (7 points). Understanding of danger signs was tested using 13 multiple choice questions (13 points). Knowledge was scored out of 20 points and reported as ‘good’ (≥80%), ‘satisfactory’ (60–79%) and ‘poor’ (< 60%). Correlation between participant characteristics and knowledge score as well as number of danger signs recalled was tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Association between knowledge score and participant characteristics was tested using t-tests (and Kruskal-Wallis test) for numeric variables. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the level of knowledge ('good’ versus ‘satisfactory’ and ‘poor’ combined) were assessed with odds ratios using a log-binomial regression model. All results with p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results Four hundred and twenty-two women responded to the survey (response rate = 96.0%). Mean (±SD) knowledge score was 12 (±2.5). Twenty women (4.7%) had ‘good’ knowledge, 245 (58.1%) had ‘satisfactory’ knowledge and 157 (37.2%) had ‘poor’ knowledge. The median number of danger signs recalled was 2 (IQR 1, 3) while 68 women (20.3%) could not recall any danger signs. Most women were knowledgeable about pre-labour rupture of membranes (96.0%) while very few women were knowledgeable about spotting during pregnancy (19.9%). Both knowledge score and number of danger signs recalled had significant correlation with the period of gestation. Women with previous surgery on the reproductive tract had higher odds of having ‘good’ level of knowledge. Conclusions Most pregnant women had ‘satisfactory’ knowledge score with poor explicit recall of danger signs. However, women recognized obstetric emergencies and identified the appropriate action warranted.


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