Learning From Pregnant Women Eating 5 Servings or More of Vegetables Daily: Strategies, Behaviors, and Motivators

Abstract

Objective

To explore the context, behaviors, strategies, and motivators of pregnant women who consume 5 servings of vegetables daily.

Methods

Positive deviance study involving Australian pregnant women (9 of 529) identified through a validated food frequency questionnaire. Semistructured interviews explored their strategies, behaviors, and motivators.

Results

Women valued vegetables for health benefits and disease management. Prioritizing vegetables in main meals and snacks was key, supported by planning, purchasing, and preparation. Social support and a positive environment facilitated regular vegetable consumption easier. Cooking skills and, in some cases, gardening were important enablers. Results provide practical strategies to address commonly reported challenges to vegetable consumption.

Conclusions and Implications

Pregnant women's experiences of meeting vegetable intake recommendations offer valuable insights into practices that enhance dietary quality. Further research and testing in practice is warranted with pregnant women and their significant others to promote increased vegetable intake and better outcomes for families.