European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A REVIEW ON FOOD PRACTICES AND TABOOS DURING PREGNANCY

Avi Patel*, Dr. I. S. Anand and Priyanka Rathod

ABSTRACT

Pregnancy is the most precious phase of woman’s life. Maternal undernourishment during pregnancy adversely affects the pregnancy and birth outcomes. Taboos and food practices are a part of Indian culture since centuries. Every community whether urban or rural has their own beliefs. This article reviews some of the food practices and taboos during pregnancy in parts of India. Food taboos are still prevalent in many Indian regions. Most of the foods avoided were nutritious and inexpensive. There were no scientific explanations of the avoidance and harmfulness of some foods and practices. Increasing literacy status may reduce prevalence of taboos and misconceptions. There is need for health education programs in rural areas regarding nutrition which will in turn improve the maternal and child health.

Keywords: Taboos, myths, food practices, pregnancy, nutrition, maternal.