Unhealthy Eating Behaviors During Pregnancy and Gestational Weight Gain — Huai’an City, Jiangsu Province, China, 2020–2021

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC? Maintaining a healthy diet and appropriate weight during pregnancy is crucial for both the expectant mother and the fetus. Unhealthy eating behaviors (UEBs) such as eating out frequently are becoming increasingly prevalent across the globe. However, there is a dearth of research investigating the relationship between UEBs and gestational weight gain (GWG) specifically in the context of Chinese women. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT? The study revealed that a majority of pregnant women reported experiencing one or more UEBs such as eating fast, eating three meals irregularly, eating away from home, and skipping breakfast. A positive association was also observed between the number of UEBs and elevated odds of experiencing excessive GWG. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE? The uptake of emerging UEBs is prevalent among pregnant women in China. It is recommended that healthy eating behavior become the focal point of gestational weight management in clinical practice. Moreover, preconception care should take into account customized health education and promotion programs.