Background <p>Anemia during pregnancy remains a major public health challenge in India, contributing significantly to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Despite national initiatives, the burden of anemia among pregnant women continues to be high, particularly in urban and semi-urban settings.</p> Objectives <p>To assess dietary habits, anemia awareness, and educational status, and to examine their association with anemia among pregnant women in urban areas.</p> Methods <p>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2025 and August 2025 among 904 pregnant women attending antenatal care services in urban areas. Hemoglobin levels were used to classify anemia into mild, moderate, and severe categories. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, gestational profile, dietary practices, anemia awareness, educational status, and antenatal care utilization were collected using a structured questionnaire. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were employed to determine associations and predictors of anemia.</p> Results <p>Overall, 59.6% of pregnant women were found to be anemic, with moderate anemia being the most prevalent (34.5%), followed by mild (22.9%) and severe anemia (2.2%). Anemia was significantly associated with low socioeconomic status, lower educational attainment, higher gravidity and parity, short birth intervals, delayed initiation of antenatal care, and poor dietary practices. Logistic regression analysis revealed that inadequate dietary intake significantly increased the odds of anemia, while awareness regarding balanced diet and anemia showed a protective effect.</p> Conclusion <p>The study demonstrates a high burden of anemia among pregnant women in Meerut City, strongly influenced by dietary inadequacy, low awareness, and socio-educational disadvantage. Strengthening nutrition education, promoting dietary diversity, ensuring early antenatal registration, and improving the quality of antenatal care services are essential to reduce anemia during pregnancy.</p>