ASSESSMENT OF ANTHROPOMETRIC AND FOOD CONSUMPTION PARTERN AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC OF SPECIALIST HOSPITAL BAUCHI AND GENERAL BAYARA.

Maternal nutrition is a critical determinant of pregnancy outcomes, yet many women in low- and middle-income countries face challenges that compromise their dietary practices and nutritional status. This study examined the demographic characteristics, maternal health indicators, nutrition knowledge, body mass index (BMI), and dietary practices of pregnant women in Bauchi State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, and data were collected using structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Findings revealed that most respondents were young, married, and from large, low-income households, with limited formal education. Maternal health outcomes were suboptimal, as many reported frequent pregnancy complications, high parity, and a history of miscarriage or stillbirth. While over half received nutrition education and took some supplements, significant knowledge gaps and cultural food taboos persisted. BMI results indicated a double burden of malnutrition, with 5.0% underweight, 53.4% overweight, and 10.7% obese. Dietary practices were inadequate: 74% consumed fewer than three meals daily, 68.3% reported no snack intake, and only 21.4% always ate breakfast. Food frequency data showed overreliance on carbohydrate staples with limited intake of animal-source foods, fruits, and vegetables. The main barriers to accessing nutritious food included lack of nutrition knowledge (31.3%), distance to markets (21.0%), cultural restrictions (21.0%), and financial constraints (16.0%). In conclusion, pregnant women in Bauchi State face a complex interaction of socioeconomic, cultural, and behavioral factors that negatively impact their nutrition. Addressing these challenges requires strengthened nutrition education during antenatal care, promotion of dietary diversity, poverty alleviation measures, and culturally sensitive interventions. These findings provide evidence to guide policies and community-based programs aimed at improving maternal and fetal health outcomes in Nigeria.