Pregnancy Weight Management among Women's Health Providers: Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices

Abstract

Background and ObjectiveConcerns about delivery complications, birth outcomes, and child growth patterns have risen with the increasing prevalence of obesity among pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to assess weight‐related counseling knowledge and practices among a sample of currently practicing women's health providers (WHPs) with a goal of identifying potential areas of opportunity for strengthening and supporting their efforts.MethodsA self‐administered survey to assess current knowledge, perceptions, and practices was completed by a convenience sample of 86 WHPs (36 OB/GYNs, 11 Midwives/NPs, and 39 registered nurses).ResultsAmong the WHP's surveyed to date, 58%(%) reported that they discussed weight gain recommendations with women during their initial prenatal visit. Approximately one‐half (46%) reported that they assess patients' diet and physical activity (PA) habits, 33% help them set nutrition and PA goals and 29% document them in the chart. Most (65%) reported that they have never completed coursework or continuing education on either: nutrition, PA, or weight management; motivational interviewing; or behavior change. Less than half (46%) knew the IOM weight gain guideline for obese pregnant women. The top barrier cited by WHPs to their evaluating and/or effectively managing their patients' nutrition, PA, and weight was not having enough time (62.7%); 45% reported lack of training as one of their top two barriers.ConclusionsThese results suggest that while many WHPs provide weight‐related counseling during pregnancy, evidence‐based best practices are not consistently being used. Many WHPs appear to lack critical training needed to provide effective weight management counseling and care.