The underlying behavioral, efficacy, and normative
beliefs described by both groups of women explained most
of these behaviors and behavior changes (Table 3). Both
groups of women believed that eating healthy foods like
fruits and vegetables was good for their baby’s health, and
most believed that diet was a major contributor to GWG.
At the same time, low income women held many other
beliefs that led to less healthy diet and physical activity
behaviors. One major behavioral belief was that women
sometimes ate when they felt stressed, depressed, or
overwhelmed in order to feel better (i.e. emotional eating).
One woman said she wanted to be by herself to be less
stressed and noted that her boyfriend said she is always,
‘‘sitting in my room with mini-cheesecakes and brownie
bites.’’ Another behavioral belief was that any walking was
considered sufficient physical activity. An 8-months pregnant
woman explained, ‘‘My bedroom is upstairs, and the
bathroom is downstairs. I go about 10–15 times a day.
That’s enough exercise.’’