5.1.2 Solutions When working with potential, pregnant and new mothers’ health professionals should follow the usual principles of person centred care124. Good communication between health professional and patient is essential, it should be supported by evidence based written information, such as the NICE recommendations provided in Appendix 2. 5.2 Education and Communication 5.2.1 Issues The provision and communication of information is not always straightforward as studies have found the absence of information or the contradictory nature of information available to women regarding weight management during their pregnancy. Where advice was given it addressed healthy eating rather than weight management issues and information when given was contradictory and confusing120,122,126,127. Women report that information and advice comes from three main sources during their pregnancy: family and friends, the media and health professionals. Advice about healthy dietary patterns and physical activity behaviours in pregnancy appeared to be strongly influenced by the views of the peer support structures around women during pregnancy. This exerts a powerful influence and may serve to undermine the messages of health professionals126. A study in 2011 found that women understood that eating and activity were related to weight and health; however they lacked confidence about intake requirements, food safety and appropriate levels and types of exercise in pregnancy. This confusion was exacerbated by what they perceived as ever-changing media messages and a lack of nutritional
5.1.2 Solutions When working with potential, pregnant and new mothers’ health professionals should follow the usual principles of person centred care124. Good communication between health professional and patient is essential, it should be supported by evidence based written information, such as the NICE recommendations provided in Appendix 2. 5.2 Education and Communication 5.2.1 Issues The provision and communication of information is not always straightforward as studies have found the absence of information or the contradictory nature of information available to women regarding weight management during their pregnancy. Where advice was given it addressed healthy eating rather than weight management issues and information when given was contradictory and confusing120,122,126,127. Women report that information and advice comes from three main sources during their pregnancy: family and friends, the media and health professionals. Advice about healthy dietary patterns and physical activity behaviours in pregnancy appeared to be strongly influenced by the views of the peer support structures around women during pregnancy. This exerts a powerful influence and may serve to undermine the messages of health professionals126. A study in 2011 found that women understood that eating and activity were related to weight and health; however they lacked confidence about intake requirements, food safety and appropriate levels and types of exercise in pregnancy. This confusion was exacerbated by what they perceived as ever-changing media messages and a lack of nutritional