Professional perspectives on dietary practices and nutrition from pre-conception to birth: An exploratory study

Whiting, Lisa, Fallaize, Rosalind, McClinchy, Jane, Parsons, Kelly and Fanner, Michael ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4167-7582 (2024) Professional perspectives on dietary practices and nutrition from pre-conception to birth: An exploratory study. Journal of Health Visiting, 12 (4). pp. 158-170. doi:10.12968/johv.2024.12.4.158

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Abstract

The foundations for child health begin in pregnancy and pre-conception; however, little is known about how health professionals advise prospective parents regarding nutritional needs. The aim of this study was to understand the facilitators and barriers to healthy food and diet practices during pre-conception and pregnancy; how the barrier(s) to healthy diets can be addressed; and the changes required to facilitate good food practices. Three focus groups and four interviews were conducted with 12 UK professional representatives working in health or dietary/nutrition contexts. Participants reported that expectant parents need to understand what healthy eating means and that health and allied health professionals require more nutrition-related education to maximise health promotion opportunities. There is a need for consistent, engaging and culturally appropriate dietary information, as well as access to professionals who can give generic and tailored advice.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ101 Child Health. Child health services R Medicine > RT Nursing
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education, Health and Sciences
Depositing User:	Charlotte Crutchlow
Date Deposited:	10 Nov 2026 14:00
Last Modified:	10 Nov 2026 14:15
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/16642

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