Registered Dietitians’ Experiences and Perceptions in Providing Prenatal Nutrition Care in Canada: A Cross-sectional Study

<b>Purpose:</b> To explore Canadian Registered Dietitians' (RDs) roles and experiences in prenatal care.<b>Methods:</b> This cross-sectional study utilized an online, anonymous, original survey. Eligible RDs, who are members of Dietitians of Canada (DC) and provide care for pregnancy, were invited to participate through their publicly available online profiles on the DC website.<b>Results:</b> Of the 71 RDs who completed the survey, 97.1% provided nutrition care when requested by the client, 68.8% in times of complications, and 60.0% through referrals. RDs most frequently discussed topics on foods to avoid, supplementation, and healthy eating. Only 4.3% of RDs felt that other prenatal healthcare providers (HCPs) are providing adequate nutritional care, while all (100.0%) RDs believed that they should be the ones providing nutrition care for pregnancy, and most (88.6%) thought they should start providing nutrition counselling during preconception. Most (92.9%) respondents acknowledged that barriers exist in accessing RDs for nutrition advice. Recommendations for improving RD accessibility included increased government funding, involvement in standard care and referrals, awareness, and remote access.<b>Conclusions:</b> Canadian RDs would like to play a larger role in prenatal care through a more integrated approach with other prenatal HCPs and improved access to dietetic services for all pregnant people.