ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE ON THE HEALTH OF PREGNANT WOMEN IN MGBUNDUKWU HEALTH CENTER, RIVERS STATE

The nutritional status of pregnant women can have a major influence on the health of the fetus, infant, and mother. Deficiencies in micronutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamin A, and iodine can lead to health problems in the mother and pregnancy complications that can endanger both mother and child. Low maternal weight gain during pregnancy, due to inadequate nutrition, increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and congenital anomalies. Maternal undernutrition is a major problem, particularly in developing countries, where it also contributes to maternal mortality. This study assesses the nutritional knowledge and practice on the health of pregnant women in Mgbundukwu Health Center, Rivers State. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed with a population of 412. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data and the responses were analysed using simple percentages presented in frequencies and tables. The results revealed that out of 412 respondents, 4.2% have high level of nutritional knowledge, 4.2% adopt healthy nutritional practice and 3.7% agree that there are factors that hinder nutritional practice. This study recommends enhanced educational practice on nutrition, community-based support programs to address barriers such as cultural beliefs, cravings, and food cost that can hinder nutritional practice on the health of pregnant women in Mgbundukwu Health Center, Rivers State.