Comparing pregnant women's nutritional knowledge to their actual dietary intake.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to describe differences between low-and middle-income pregnant women's general nutritional knowledge, usual dietary intake and weight gain.


METHODS
A descriptive design employing a questionnaire with a convenience sample of women (N = 109) from both childbirth education classes and a free prenatal clinic.


RESULTS
Women with a low prepregnant body mass index (BMI) gained less weight, and women with high BMI tended to gain more weight than recommended. Most women had inadequate general nutritional knowledge, and their dietary intake did not meet all the nutritional requirements of pregnancy. Women attending the free prenatal clinic had more accurate knowledge of the recommended number of servings for some food groups (fruits and vegetables, meats and dairy) than women in childbirth education classes. No differences were noted between the groups in total weight gain.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is needed to evaluate pregnant women's nutritional knowledge and actual dietary practices, to develop effective strategies designed to promote adequate nutritional intake in pregnant women, and to help women remain within the Institute of Medicine (IOM) weight gain recommendations. Consistent individualized nutritional assessment and counseling during pregnancy could provide a foundation for continued healthy eating habits during the postpartum period and possibly throughout the woman's life.
Fowles
Eileen R
ER
Mennonite College of Nursing, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-5810, USA. erfowle@ilstu.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D004032:Diet / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors