Dietary patterns and nutritional status in pregnant women attending primary health care centers between July 2021 and March 2022, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Eating behavior comprises a set of actions that lead to the consumption of certain foods and it is shaped by biological, psychological and socio-cul-tural aspects. In this sense, access to different nutrients at all stages of life, including prenatal, is variable and dependent on the context. Exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as inadequate nutrient intake, can affect maternal health and prenatal growth and development. The aim of this work is to describe the eating patterns and nutritional composition of the diet of pregnant women living in Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina. In total, 150 women who attended prenatal check-ups between July 2021 and March 2022 were interviewed and their Body Mass Index (BMI) was obtained as a measure of nutritional status. A food consumption frequency questionnaire and a 24-hour recall were carried out. Results indicated the coexistence of low weight, overweight and obesity along with a high consumption of refined cereals, sugars and proteins of animal origin and a lower consumption of dairy products, fish and nuts. The data obtained in this work contribute to the discussion about the impact of eating behavior on the nutritional status of pregnant women in vulnerable contexts.