Food habits during pregnancy among Saudi women

The food habits during pregnancy were studied in Saudi women. The general plan of the study was to interview pregnant women about food cravings and avoidances during pregnancy. A systematic random sample of 321 pregnant women was chosen from three different primary health care centers in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. An interview questionnaire was used to collect data related to dietary habits during pregnancy and puerperium. The percentages of women with dietary cravings, pica and aversions were 38%, 8.8% and 66.4%, respectively. Saudi women craved for milk, salty and sour foods, sweets and dates. The avoidances included spicy foods and beverages. The study showed no relations between the literacy level and the food habits during pregnancy.