Nutritional Knowledge and Dietary Practices of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri

Background: Adequate maternal nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for both maternal wellbeing and foetal development. Poor dietary practices, especially in conflict-affected zones of North East Nigeria, contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Aim: This study assessed nutritional knowledge and dietary practices of pregnant women attending antenatal care at Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 130 pregnant women using systematic random sampling. An interviewer-administered questionnaire based on the Food Frequency Questionnaire and a nutritional knowledge scale were used. Data were analysed with SPSS version 25. Results: Sixty-three percent of respondents had adequate nutritional knowledge, but only 48% reported satisfactory dietary diversity scores. Iron and folic acid supplementation uptake was 74%, while protein and vegetable intake remained below recommended levels. Economic constraints and food insecurity were identified as primary barriers. Conclusion: A significant gap exists between nutritional knowledge and actual dietary behaviour. The study recommends integration of dietary counselling, food supplementation programmes, and community nurse outreach into antenatal care delivery in Maiduguri and similar conflict-affected contexts. Keywords: maternal nutrition, dietary practices, antenatal care, Maiduguri, pregnancy.