title: A qualitative study of women's perceptions of provider advice about diet and physical activity during pregnancy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this qualitative study was to gather insights into pregnant women's experiences with provider advice about diet and physical activity.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a series of 13 focus groups with a total of 58 pregnant African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic women of varying body sizes. Statements were independently coded, reduced, and then reconstructed to identify overarching themes with the assistance of ATLAS/ti software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean gestational age at the time of the focus groups was 30 weeks. Women commonly reported overwhelming and confusing diet advice and a paucity of physical activity advice that was largely limited to walking. Many reported following advice; when advice was not followed, it was because women disagreed with it or simply did not want to do it.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Women would benefit from more clear guidance from physicians and other providers regarding dietary choices and physical activity in pregnancy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Providers should make dietary and physical activity advice in pregnancy more clear and individualized and offer such guidance multiple times throughout pregnancy.
authors: Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7590, USA. rferrari@unc.edu
authors: Renée M
authors: RM
authors: Ferrari
authors: Anna Maria
authors: AM
authors: Siega-Riz
authors: Kelly R
authors: KR
authors: Evenson
authors: Merry-K
authors: MK
authors: Moos
authors: Kathryn S
authors: KS
authors: Carrier
mesh_terms: D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003376:Counseling / Q000592:standards; D004032:Diet / Q000592:standards*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005865:Gestational Age; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055815:Young Adult
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