Prenatal Nutrition Care in Alberta: The Perspectives of Pregnant Women and Registered Dietitians.

Optimizing women's diets in pregnancy improves maternal and child health outcomes; however, the best format for supporting women's nutrition goals in pregnancy is not clear, and access to dietetic services is not standard in prenatal care in Alberta. This study explored women's perceptions about access to Registered Dietitians (RDs) throughout pregnancy and RDs experiences providing prenatal nutrition counselling. Two studies were conducted. Study A: Pregnant women completed a short survey while attending a prenatal appointment in a large prenatal clinic. The survey assessed women's perspectives about accessing dietetic services during pregnancy. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Study B: RDs participated in either a semi-structured phone interview or a focus group and described their experiences working with pregnant women. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. One hundred pregnant women completed the survey. Ninety percent indicated that they had not seen a RD at this time in pregnancy, and 48% reported that they would like to access a RD in pregnancy, if available. Dietitians discussed the diversity of women's concerns and the challenges to providing prenatal nutrition support. Women have nutrition-related questions during pregnancy. Dietitians experience challenges providing services in the current care systems.