Food taboos during antenatal and postpartum period among the women of rural and urban areas of Tamilnadu

Background: Eating nutritionally balanced foods during pregnancy is very essential. In India, dietary habits of pregnant women are highly influenced by food fads, cultural taboos, customs and religious beliefs. Very minimum data is available on the dietary intake of pregnant and postpartum nutritional practices in India.Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the existing beliefs and practices regarding food during pregnancy and lactation. Design: Cross-sectional study/ Community based experimental study. Place and duration of study: The present study was conducted at different parts of Tamilnadu. This study was conducted in five months time from September 2015 to January 2016.Participants and methods: The sample included both currently pregnant women who have had a previous childbirth, and lactating women. Sample size was 650 females of age group 22-60 years .We asked about their traditional beliefs and their behaviour during antenatal and postpartum period. We used a framework approach to identify main taboos. Simple Convenience Sampling technique was used.Results: 89% believed that there is an effect of food on pregnancy and lactation, 11% did not. Despite of high literacy rate (75%) there are certain strong, food beliefs regarding pregnancy and lactation which have been practiced by pregnant ladies and lactating mothers which were affecting their food intake.Conclusions: All accessible resources for creating wakefulness among the women regarding the importance of diet during pregnancy and lactation should be used properly by using all means of communication.