The experiences of partners in supporting healthy lifestyle behaviors during pregnancy: a scoping review

Background Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy is important for maternal and child health. Partners can play a key role in supporting healthy nutrition and physical activity behaviors, yet there is currently no comprehensive overview of their experiences in providing such support. This scoping review aimed to explore partners’ the barriers and facilitators in supporting healthy nutrition and physical activity behaviors during pregnancy. Methods A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and grey literature databases. Studies were included if they explored partners’ barriers or facilitators in supporting healthy nutrition and/or physical activity during pregnancy. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers and synthesized narratively. Barriers and facilitators were mapped onto the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation–Behavior model and the Theoretical Domains Framework. Results Three overarching themes emerged: the need for knowledge, information, and practical guidance; the influence of relationship, household, and social contexts on support behaviors and the importance of partners’ perceptions of their role during pregnancy. A key finding was that partners’ sense of responsibility during pregnancy emerged as a central determinant of support, with greater involvement reported among those who viewed pregnancy as a shared responsibility. Conclusion Partners play an important role in supporting healthy lifestyle behaviors during pregnancy, but their support is shaped by interacting individual, relational, environmental, and healthcare system factors, including the extent to which partners are included in antenatal care. Family-based approaches that strengthen shared responsibility and actively involve partners in maternity care may enhance healthy lifestyle support during pregnancy and improve family health outcomes.