The results from a new survey of almost 2,500 pregnant women has revealed some some of the diet and lifestyle behaviors of mothers-to-be across Europe, with some encouraging results.
The findings are the first to be published from 'Together', an EU-funded pilot project which surveyed pregnant and breastfeeding women in six European cities: Manchester, United Kingdom; Murcia, Spain; Odense and Kolding, Denmark; Prague, Czech Republic; and Varna, Bulgaria.
The project aims to gain insight into the behaviors of pregnant women and new mothers in each city in order to promote healthier diets and lifestyles where needed.
The survey has so far revealed some positive findings, with three out of four saying they are willing to do everything they can to protect their babies' health both during pregnancy and during the breastfeeding period, and most using pregnancy as an opportunity to start making healthier lifestyle choices.
80 percent of women increased their water intake, having a glass of water more than three times a day, and many also cut back on coffee, with 50 percent of women reporting they drank less or gave it up all together.
As well as making the effort to eat healthier, 84% of women also started taking vitamin supplements, and 50% of women who smoked quit, with 40% cutting down.
Eighty-four percent also intend to breastfeed their baby.
And although one out of five pregnant women surveyed said they felt stressed during the pregnancy, nearly all, 95%, said that the had the emotional help and support of their partners, who are concerned about their health and that of the unborn child. Perhaps surprisingly though, only 50% of men take part in prenatal classes.
However there is also some room for further improvement.
Although the majority of women reported an intention to eat more fruit and vegetables, around only 60% eat at least one portion of vegetables a day, although the results are more positive for fruit, with around 75% of women eating at least one portion a day.
And although some of the women reported continuing or increasing their physical activity during pregnancy, most ended up reducing their exercise or stopping their exercise routine altogether.
Dr Debbie Smith, Clinical Health psychologist at The University of Manchester commented on the findings saying that as many women feel motivated during pregnancy to make positive lifestyle changes, it is also an ideal opportunity for health professionals to provide support and encourage women to make and stick to these changes, for their own benefit and that of the whole family.
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