Delivering messages on diet in pregnancy: The PEAR Study

By Caroline Taylor and Lucy Beasant, University of Bristol

Help us find out what midwives need to provide the right information in the right way

We all know that nutrition and diet is key for a healthy pregnancy – both for mother and baby. There are so many questions: Should I eat for two? What about eggs? Cheese? Coffee? Fish? Peanuts? Caffeine? What if I’m a vegetarian?

Of course, midwives are in a special position of trust as providers of reliable information for pregnant women. But how can you provide information and advice in the best possible way for women? Do you have access to the resources you need? Do you have enough up to date training? Can you pass on advice in the way you prefer? What resources would you like? Maybe you just don’t have enough time to give diet the priority you’d like to.

The PEAR Study (Pregnancy, the Environment And nutRition) is run by me, Dr Caroline Taylor, and my colleague Dr Lucy Beasant at the University of Bristol and funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC). We’re looking at these questions, with a particular focus on information and advice on foods to cut back on or avoid altogether during pregnancy.

We’re running an online questionnaire, asking about the information you provide to women during their pregnancy, what resources you  have available to you on nutrition and diet, and how you provide information and advice. This might be, for example, by talking during an appointment, providing a leaflet, or by recommending a website or app.

To fill in our online questionnaire,  you’ll need to be a Registered Midwife, working in England and providing antenatal care.

Click here to take part in the questionnaire 

A smaller number of midwives are giving us more details of their thoughts and experiences by taking part in a discussion by video link or phone as an optional extra.

Your contribution will be invaluable in providing information to help us develop recommendations on the content and delivery of information provided to women about nutrition and diet in pregnancy, and especially on the foods to cut back on or avoid in pregnancy.

For more information about the study and opportunities to take part, please visit our study website or email us at pear-study@bristol.ac.uk.