gms | German Medical Science

Background: A poor nutrition as well as an impaired oral health due to oral dysbiosis during pregnancy can increase the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and preecplampsia. It might therefore be assumed that the risk for adverse outcomes is reduced when women are aware of the importance of nutrition and oral health during pregnancy with the help of professional support, which can also positively affect women’s perception of their own health competence. As stated in the German maternity guidelines, midwives and obstetricians should educate pregnant women on nutrition and oral health and advise them to visit the dentist during pregnancy.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the wishes and needs of pregnant women regarding the interprofessional guidance on nutrition and oral health during pregnancy.

Methods: In six online focus groups, the sources of information and preferences of pregnant women regarding information supply as well as the need for interprofessional collaboration of involved healthcare professions were investigated. In addition, three expert interviews with a midwife, an obstetrician and a dentist were conducted. The focus groups and interviews were analyzed with MAXQDA, using qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz.

Results: 25 pregnant women from seven German federal states and in all phases of pregnancy, between the ages of 23 and 38 years, participated in focus groups. The women followed a variety of dietary forms, ranging from omnivorous to vegetarian or vegan. Our results show a need for individual counseling, especially regarding the specifics of different dietary forms during pregnancy. Additionally, we found that many women did not receive any or an insufficient guidance on oral health during pregnancy and wish for more consistent information from all involved healthcare providers, in interprofessional collaboration. Interviews with experts provided additional insights into the working conditions in counseling and emphasized the need for improved education on nutrition and oral health in pregnancy in their respective studies as well as thematic billing options in relation to these topics.

Relevancy: Considering the severity of associated adverse pregnancy outcomes, a healthy nutrition and oral hygiene are feasible areas in a pregnant woman’s day to day life, with easily achievable and sustainable positive impacts on their own pregnancy. Additionally, the number of pregnant women following an alternative dietary form is growing, resulting in a need for more individualized nutrition counseling. The recent academization of midwifery in Germany also introduces the opportunity to include nutrition and oral health in study plans.

Conclusion: Nutrition and oral health guidance adapted to the wishes and needs of women during pregnancy as well as the implementation of these topics in the education of involved healthcare professionals could contribute to an improved prenatal care for pregnant women in Germany and subsequently a reduced risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Ethics and conflicts of interest: This abstract was written in the context of a master’s thesis. A vote on ethics was not necessary. The research was financed by own resources. There are no conflicts of interest.