Expectant mothers’ perspectives on the use of mobile prenatal apps

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess expectant mothers’ perspectives on the use of mobile prenatal applications. In order to reach the aim of the research, the researcher investigated how expectant mothers use mobile applications concerning pregnancy, explored women’s attitudes towards information provided by prenatal apps, and assessed what functions and features women value in prenatal apps. The research adopted a quantitative approach. Following a pilot study, a self-designed questionnaire wasused to collect data from a convenience sample of 45 adult expectant mothers recruited from Antenatal clinic and Obstetric wards 1 and 3 at the state hospital, representing a response rate of 90%. Data was analyzed manually using descriptive statistics and through content analysis. The findings are presented using bar graphs, pie charts and tables. Most of the participating expectant mothers used mobile prenatal apps during their pregnancy, with the most commonly mentioned apps being ‘Baby Centre’ and ‘Pregnancy +’. Prenatal apps were most often used to learn about fetal development and changes in the maternal body during pregnancy. Participants overwhelmingly indicated that they trusted the information they gained from the prenatal app/s, but only a few made lifestyle changes based on the information learned. The majority of the participants also felt that such apps should ideally be recommended, managed and monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure that the information provided was reliable. It was suggested that more audio-visual and interactive features within the apps could enhance engagement. The study concluded that prenatal apps are widely used by women and may be a valuable resource for the prenatal educational initiatives within maternity services. Several recommendations for practice, education, management and further research are proposed. Recommendations for practice include healthcare professionals and doctors should be involved in the development, monitoring and managing of prenatal apps for the apps to be in line with up-to-date and evidence-based since prenatal apps are becoming an increasingly important information source for pregnant women. Recommendations for education that midwives and other healthcare professionals should counsel expectant mothers about the potential of misinformation and harmful content which may be within certain prenatal apps. Further research includes a similar study to be carried out with midwives working at the local hospital to obtain their perspective about the usage of mobile prenatal apps by expectant mother. Qualitative research enquiring into expectant mothers’ experiences of using prenatal apps could enhance the depth of our knowledge on the phenomenon. Attitudes towards apps and other technologically based means of imparting prenatal education could also beinvestigated amongst healthcare professional proving perinatal care