Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare how Chinese and Zambian pregnant women respond to nutrition and exercise. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with data that was conducted in Chingola City, Zambia, and Hangzhou City, China, using an online survey between September 1, 2023 and February 28, 2024. The subjects were divided into two groups (the China group and the Zambia group) according to their nationality. Results: A total of 210 participants were included through a questionnaire survey, 104 from China and 106 from Zambia. In terms of nutrient supplementation and whether to choose takeout weekly, 100% of Chinese pregnant women chose yes, while 100% of Zambian pregnant women chose no (P < 0.01). Among the Chinese women, 78.8% ate vegetables daily, whereas 92.5% in the Zambia group ate vegetables daily (P < 0.01). The fruit consumption in the Chinese group was significantly higher than that in the Zambian group (91.3% vs. 71.7%, P < 0.01). The proportion of tea consumption in the China group was significantly lower than that in the Zambia group (P < 0.01), however, there was no significant difference in the proportion of coffee consumption (P > 0.05). The proportion of pregnant women in the China group choosing moderate or intense activities was higher than that in the Zambia group. In terms of daily exercise time, the proportion of Chinese pregnant women choosing 13 - 30 minutes or 30 - 60 minutes was significantly higher than that of Zambian pregnant women (P < 0.01). Conclusion: From the findings in our study, it can be observed that although pregnancy is an experience that many women may go through, lifestyle habits during pregnancy can vary from culture to culture or ethnicity.
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