Amongst wishes and possibilities: eating habits of pregnant women from an urban community in Southern Brazil

Abstract

This qualitative study had the aim to understand the eating habits of pregnant women living in an urban community in southern Brazil. The method adopted was the ethnonursing approach and data were collected by means of the qualifying guide Observation-Participation-Reflection, with four pregnant women. The ethnographic analysis was conducted along with data collection, in the search for topics to support the research questions. The results led to the unveiling of cultural meanings that pregnant women attribute to knowledge and to their eating habits, and the influence of family history and social relations in the community stand out in this aspect. The perception of body changes, from the perspective of pregnant women, is related to their eating habit choices. By appreciating the cultural dimensions of care, nurses who assist pregnant women get close to the family and the community, allowing for better compliance with prenatal care by means of educational activities consistent with the culture of these pregnant women.