Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Healthy Eating in Pregnant People With or at Risk for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

To explore pregnancy-specific barriers and facilitators impacting healthy eating among patients with or at risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).

METHODS

Pregnant people with or at risk for HDP were recruited from a large academic medical center for an electronic survey with open-ended questions. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Among 50 participants (mean age 31.0 ± 5.4 years, 30% Hispanic), 66% reported barriers to healthy eating. Major themes included lack of access because of determinants of health, intrinsic factors (e.g., choices, motivation), time, uncertainty about what constitutes "healthy," and preexisting medical conditions (pregnancy-related/unrelated). Most participants (67.4%) identified facilitators, including menu/grocery guidance, external support (e.g., from experts or family), discipline/routine, and improving access.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Considering that access, education, and food preferences may hinder healthy eating, pregnant individuals with or at risk for HDP may benefit from food insecurity screening/interventions and tailored, income-specific nutritional guidance.