Navigating food-related messages during and after pregnancy - A qualitative study exploring women’s experiences

Sammanfattning

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and interpretations women had of food-related messages encountered during and after pregnancy.Method: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with six women who had recently given birth in Sweden. Data was processed using a qualitative contentanalysis where both latent and manifest meanings were interpreted and conceptualised through coding and categorisation.Results: The findings are presented using six identified categories: Mixed feelings towards nutritional information, Shift in food and eating perceptions, Perceived importanceof trust in sources, Overwhelming messages, Feeling inexperienced, and Facing societal expectations. Results describe how participants’ experiences of encountering and interpreting food-related messages surrounding pregnancy varied, and that adequate nutritional information was perceived accessible when knowing where to look. Additionally, evaluating advice, information and sources could cause feelings of uncertainty and feelings of overwhelm among the women.Conclusion: Encountered food-related messages were perceived to have an impact on participants and their ability to navigate them. Findings showed a desire forimproved nutritional guidance and support from midwives, both during pregnancy and postpartum.