In a study just published -with Ruth Baron as first author- in the journal Midwifery we explored the experiences, wishes and needs of pregnant women with respect to health education in primary care with midwives. We used qualitative semi-structured interviews, using thematic analysis and constant comparison. Twenty-two pregnant women in midwife-led primary care, varying in socio-demographic characteristics, weeks of pregnancy and region of residence in the Netherlands, were interviewed between April and December 2013.
The women considered midwives to be the designated health caregivers for providing prenatal health education, and generally appreciated the information they had received from their midwives. Some women, however, believed the amount of verbal health information was insufficient; others that there was too much written information. Many women still had questions and expressed uncertainties regarding various health issues, especially regarding weight gain, alcohol, and physical activity. Women felt that important qualities for midwives underlying health education, were making them feel at ease and building a relationship of trust with them.
Health education was highly appreciated by women in general, suggesting that midwives should err on the side of providing too much verbal information, as opposed to too little. A more pro-active approach with information provision may be of value not only to those with a clear desire for more information, but also to those who are unsure of what information they may be missing. As midwives are the principal health care providers throughout pregnancy,they should ideally emphasize their availability for questions between prenatal visits.
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