Maternal Impressions of the New 2019 Canadian Food Guide Snapshot

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the impressions of pregnant Canadian women toward Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) snapshot released in January 2019. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 physically active pregnant women. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: (i) pregnancy changes what I eat; (ii) what is healthy to me? and (iii) a connection with people and food. Pregnancy was the primary factor influencing dietary changes, and messages in the snapshot reinforced some dietary behaviours that participants had already incorporated. Participants wanted information specific to pregnancy but were not aware of available resources pertaining to nutrition on existing websites. Dietitians and other health care professionals should take steps to raise awareness of and ensure wider dissemination of reliable resources on healthy eating during pregnancy including Canada’s Food Guide website.