Women's reported self-care behaviors during pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Self-care is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.
• Pregnant women's self-care is influenced by healthcare providers and social networks.
• Understanding self-care behaviors is vital for maternal and fetal well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine self-reported self-care behaviors during pregnancy.
• To identify positive and negative self-care practices in pregnant women.
• To explore the relationship between pregnancy complications and self-care.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive, ex post facto study design.
• Survey of 100 pregnant women on their self-care activities.
• Analysis of reported dietary changes, exercise, and other health-promoting behaviors.

Main Results:

• Over half of women reported healthy activities like walking or jogging.
• 48% modified their diets, and 25% engaged in exercise or meditation.
• None of the 32 women with medical pregnancy problems reported healthy self-care behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Pregnant women exhibit a range of self-care behaviors, both beneficial and detrimental.
• A significant gap exists in healthy self-care among pregnant women experiencing medical complications.
• Early identification of self-care practices can inform targeted interventions to improve pregnancy outcomes.