May 20, 2014

Exploring pregnant women’s perceptions of healthy eating

Medical researchers at the University of Wollongong are undertaking a study to explore women's perceptions of healthy eating during pregnancy.

They are keen to learn what advice and information the women have received about nutrition in pregnancy.

PhD researcher and Accredited Practising Dietitian from UOW’s School of Medicine, Catherine Lucas, said results from the study would provide important information about dietary behavior of pregnant women and may help to improve the quality of nutrition information given to pregnant women.

The research team, under the supervision of Associate Professor Karen Charlton, is seeking pregnant women of any age and any stage of pregnancy to participate in a telephone interview.

It would involve a researcher phoning the women at a date and time suitable for them and would take about 30 minutes. Researchers want to know if participants have made any changes to their diet since becoming pregnant.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask the researcher questions about general nutrition in pregnancy and receive an information booklet about healthy eating for pregnancy. Interviews are being conducted from now until the end of July.

All participants in the study will go in the draw to win one of the following prizes: A $100 gift voucher from My Baby Warehouse; a $100 gift voucher from Coles and Myer; one of three $20 gift vouchers from Beautiful Things and Christenings; and a $20 gift voucher from Harbourside Fish Market. 

Note for interested participants: Anyone wishing to participate in the study or to learn more about it should contact Catherine Lucas on 0432 468 270 or clucas@uow.edu.au 

Media contact: Catherine Lucas on 0432 468 270 or Associate Professor Karen Charlton on 4221 4754.