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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Nutrition | Research

The knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of pregnant women regarding seafood consumption during the antenatal period: a qualitative study

Authors: Danielle Shine, Heshani Siriwardana, Michelle Minehan, Monica Yuri Takito, Rati Jani, Catherine R. Knight-Agarwal

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Maternal nutrition impacts fetal growth and development. The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) guidelines recommend pregnant women consume 2–3 servings (224–336 g) of fish/seafood per week to support intake of long chain omega 3 fatty acids, given adequate consumption supports numerous health benefits including reduced risk of preterm and early preterm birth. Evidence indicates that pregnant women purposely lower their fish/seafood intake, largely due to fears of methylmercury exposure. The aim of this study was to explore pregnant women’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding their fish/seafood consumption during the antenatal period.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted between October 2018 and December 2020 among a purposive sample of 12 pregnant women from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Themes were developed on the women’s lived experience related to fish/seafood knowledge, attitudes, and consumption behaviour.

Results

The most prominent finding was widespread non-adherence to fish/seafood consumption guidelines. This was largely owing to a lack of proactive health promotion related to the health benefits of fish/seafood throughout pregnancy, including the health promoting roles of long chain omega 3 fatty acids for fetal growth and development. Three themes were identified: nutrition knowledge; sources of health promotion; and barriers and enablers to fish/seafood consumption.

Conclusions

To support adequate maternal consumption of fish/seafood throughout pregnancy, emphasis should be placed on the benefits of consuming this food group regularly. Additionally, pregnant women should receive education about the health promoting role of long chain omega 3 fatty acids. Dietitians are well placed to provide this information.
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Metadata
Title
The knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of pregnant women regarding seafood consumption during the antenatal period: a qualitative study
Authors
Danielle Shine
Heshani Siriwardana
Michelle Minehan
Monica Yuri Takito
Rati Jani
Catherine R. Knight-Agarwal
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Nutrition
Published in
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-06149-5

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