Dietary Habits and Consumption Pattern among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is essential for supporting maternal health and fetal development. This study assessed dietary habits and consumption patterns among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, and data were collected from 384 pregnant women using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, meal planning, food choices, meal frequency, snack consumption, portion size, and cultural influences on dietary practices. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented as frequencies and percentages. Most respondents were married (75.3%), had tertiary education (44.3%), and were Igbo by ethnicity (85.4%). Regarding dietary habits, 28.4% described their eating habits during pregnancy as very healthy, while 21.1% described them as somewhat healthy. However, 30.7% reported not very healthy eating habits and 19.8% reported unhealthy eating habits. Meal planning was inconsistent: 29.4% always planned meals before cooking, whereas 33.3% did so occasionally and 21.4% rarely did. Food cravings (33.1%) and taste preference (23.4%) were the most frequently reported influences on food choice. Meal frequency varied, as 32.0% consumed four to five meals daily, 31.0% consumed three meals daily, and 25.0% consumed two meals or less daily. Cultural beliefs also influenced food choices, with some respondents reporting dietary restrictions and food taboos. The findings indicate mixed dietary practices and support the need for strengthened, culturally appropriate nutrition counselling during antenatal care.