The normative beliefs that the low income women
mentioned also explained their behaviors. Eating for two
and indulging in cravings was felt to be the status quo
during pregnancy. Partners and families members actively
supported the ‘‘eat for two’’ notion asking women, ‘‘What
are you craving tonight?’’ Women enjoyed telling stories of
just how badly they craved certain foods and what lengths
they took to get what they wanted. After saying she was
trying to eat less during pregnancy, a woman confessed, ‘‘I
would pay for the ride to McDonalds, even if it took $10.’’
Women’s consumption of energy dense foods was also
associated with normative food preferences where women
talked about local preferences for soul food, barbecue and
meat in general. Similarly, several comments about food
prepared or purchased by extended family members indicated
that some women regularly relied on parents and
grandparents to provide food, whether healthy or unhealthy
instead of always getting food for themselves. Describing
the types of vegetables recommended to her by her doctor,
a young woman retorted,