Eating habits in pregnancy were studied in 96 Gypsy women and 198 women of majority population using methods of food history and food frequency questionnaire. In both samples, the same weight increase was found in the course of pregnancy (13.49 ± 5.46 kg vs. 14.93 ± 5.59 kg). There was a significant difference in using food supplements – in 22.4 % of Gypsy mothers and 74.7 % of mothers of majority population. Gypsy pregnant women eat more often rolls, pasty, liver, smoked sausages, French fries, chips, delicatessen products and sweet beverages, concerning fat they prefer butter and lard. Women from majority population reportedmore frequent consumption of fish, cheese, fruit, fruit juices, vegetables, honey, bread and wholecorn pastry, concerning fat they prefer margarine. Both groups did not differ in consumption of meat, poultry, milk and yoghurt, eggs, fried food, hamburgers, bear, wine and spirits, table water, mineral water and coffee. We found significantly more smokers in Gypsy women before pregnancy (85.5 % vs. 52.5 % in controls), 57.9 % Gypsy women and 20.3 % mothers of majority population reported smoking in pregnancy.

        Key words: pregnancy – Gypsy population – food consumption