Journal of Practical Medicine and Medical Science

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is essential for optimal maternal health and fetal development, yet nutritional challenges remain common in many developing countries. This study assessed maternal nutrition during pregnancy among pregnant women in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. A cross-sectional study design was adopted. The study population comprised pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in selected health facilities, and a sample size of 235 respondents was selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI, and MUAC). Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings revealed that 51.9% of respondents had normal BMI, 26.8% were overweight, 14.5% were obese, and 6.8% were underweight. The mean BMI was 26.08±4.11 kg/m², while the mean MUAC was 27.94±4.58 cm. Regarding dietary practices, 100.0% ate at least three meals daily, 87.2% consumed fruits and vegetables daily, 63.4% regularly consumed protein-rich foods, 100% took iron and folic acid supplements, and 90.2% reported increased food intake during pregnancy. Knowledge of maternal nutrition was very high: 100% recognised the role of good nutrition in fetal growth, anaemia prevention, reducing pregnancy complications, and child development, while 99.1% agreed that good nutrition reduces illness during pregnancy. The study concluded that pregnant women generally possessed satisfactory nutritional status, good dietary practices, and excellent knowledge of maternal nutrition. The study recommends strengthening antenatal nutrition education and routine nutritional monitoring to guide targeted interventions, inform policy decisions, and improve maternal health outcomes in the area.