Methods	Individual Randomized Controlled Trial in Center Health Reference Unit, Brazil
Participants	Inclusion criteria: Pregnant women who were in prenatal care at the time of the study, during the period from January 2007 to May 2008, were invited to participate in the research, provided they met the following inclusion criteria: they had a gestational age between 10 and 29th weeks; belonged to the prenatal care group of the health unit. Exclusion criteria: Exclusion criteria were pregnant women with a positive HIV test, the previous diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, anemia or any other condition that required a special diet and aged over 35 years. Age [Range]—Intervention, Control 19–30 Occupation [n (%)]—Intervention, Control Paid work: 59 (37.8), 58 (30.2) UNPAID: 97 (62.2), 111 (69.8)
Interventions	Intervention—Dietary intervention (n = 159) Description: Pregnant women in the Intervention Group received an interview one more month after receiving the instructions for their reinforcement. Nutrition counseling messaging: Pregnant women randomized to the Intervention Group received dietary guidelines in the first interview, summarized in eight to ten eating behaviors, with the aim of adjusting the speed of weight gain and improving the quality of food. For pregnant women with low weight, it was adopted as a priority to increase the energy density of the diet with the addition of a spoon of oil in the main meals, consume two snacks a day with high energy value (with examples of portions), 100 g of offal once a week and one fruit daily. For the eutrophic pregnant women, they were instructed to divide their food into six times a day, daily portions of vegetables, fruits and water; restrict the consumption of high‐fat foods and oil in preparations. For pregnant women with excess weight, intervals between meals (3–4 h) were prioritized; do not repeat food portions from meals and snacks; restrict the daily consumption of soft drinks and sweets, processed foods rich in fat and also the oil in preparations. Daily portions of vegetables, vegetables and fruits were determined. All guidelines provided values and recommended household food measures to facilitate understanding of the actions to be taken. Intervention adapted to local context: A prenatal nutrition program adapted to the Beninese context was implemented for the women. Women empowerment approach: Unclear empowerment approach Control (n = 162) Description: The Control Group did not receive dietary guidelines, but were informed about their nutritional status, and were instructed to carry out prenatal care, informing the physician of the result of the nutritional assessment.
Outcomes	Gestational weight gain
Notes	Funding: Not reported