Nutrition knowledge was more limited. The
majority of participants (95.2%) knew the best
way to ensure consuming enough nutrients was to
eat a balanced diet, and that diets should include
protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals
(90.4%). Participants (72.3%) knew the recommended
number of servings of fruits and vegetables
for pregnancy and that iron supplementation was
sometimes needed (86.7%). Only half of participants
knew the recommended amount of folic acid
needed daily during pregnancy. Less than half of participants
knew to begin eating a healthy diet prior
to conception (37.3%), and less than half knew the
number of additional calories (300 kcal/day) needed
for pregnancy (45.8%). Only a few participants
(13.3%) knew they should begin taking folic acid
before pregnancy and fewer knew about food safety
regarding fish (31.3%), deli meats (19.3%), and soft
cheeses (38.6%). Finally, the majority of participants
(89.2%) knew the ACOG guidelines for weight gain
during pregnancy