WRISK voices: A mixed-methods study of women's experiences of pregnancy-related public health advice and risk messages in the UK.
Rebecca Blaylock, Heather Trickey, Julia Sanders and 1 others
PMID 35878539WHAT IT FOUND
Pregnant women described conflicting advice and judgmental risk messaging as driving anxiety and concealment.
They wanted a balance between precautionary guidance and evidence to make their own informed decisions.
Key findings
01Women reported receiving conflicting advice from healthcare providers on topics like medication safety, which caused anxiety and led some to stop taking prescribed treatments.
02A significant portion of women felt judged by healthcare providers for their choices, particularly regarding weight and age, which damaged trust and led to hiding behaviors.
03While most women supported a 'better safe than sorry' approach, the majority also wanted access to the full evidence base to make their own decisions about pregnancy risks.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The survey was self-selecting and may reflect the views of those more motivated to participate in research. The study was restricted to English speakers, excluding non-English speakers who may face greater barriers. The online survey excluded those without internet access. Healthcare professionals were not interviewed, so the study captures only the patient perspective on care interactions.
Declared interests
The work was supported by the Wellcome Trust. The authors declare no competing financial interests or personal relationships.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the high percentage of women wanting 'do/don't' advice as a request for rigid, non-negotiable protocols. The same women overwhelmingly wanted the evidence behind the advice to inform their own decisions. Ignoring this nuance may increase anxiety and disengagement.