A healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy is essential to ensure optimal fetal growth and maternal physiological adaptations. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a nutrition education program based on Pender’s Health Promotion Model on the dietary patterns of pregnant women. Method. A quasi-experimental design was employed, utilizing convenience sampling to recruit 60 pregnant women in their first trimester. Results. Following the educational intervention, there was a statistically significant improvement in pregnant women’s knowledge, dietary patterns, and Pender’s Health Promotion Model-based constructs. Conclusion. A nutrition education program grounded on Pender’s Health Promotion Model is an effective intervention for significantly improving dietary intake among pregnant women. It is recommended that nutrition education programs based on Pender’s Health Promotion Model be integrated into routine antenatal care to promote healthy dietary behaviors and improve maternal nutrition outcomes.

Index Terms- maternal nutrition, nutrition education, Pender’s health promotion model, pregnant women.