Abstract
Cultural practices and beliefs are important factors that could influence a woman’s dietary choices during pregnancy. We investigated food beliefs among pregnant women in Northern Ghana. In-depth interviews were conducted with thirty women, selected from three districts. We describe food beliefs regarding ‘recommended’ and ‘prohibited’ foods during pregnancy. There was a general agreement among participants about the recommended foods but not on the prohibited foods. For example, for some banana was regarded as prohibited, while for others it was recommended. Hypersensitivity to smell was attributed to nausea, vomiting and spiting and was largely the most important factor that could modify dietary habits of those who experienced it. Pregnancy is a sensitive phase and thus requires critical care and attention. Therefore, individualized counseling during antenatal clinics instead of the ongoing mass education is recommended as this will help address conditions peculiar to individual pregnancies.
Highlights
Optimal nutrition throughout the life course ensures good health and long life
Overweight and obese women are more likely to experience gestational diabetes and hypertension, which undermine their physical and psychological well-being during pregnancy and increase their chance of delivering macrosomic babies, who may develop obesity and diabetes later in life.[7]
The first part focuses on the respondents recommended and prohibited foods during pregnancy and sources of knowledge
Summary
Optimal nutrition throughout the life course ensures good health and long life. It is a fundamental cornerstone of any individual's health. Underweight and overweight/obesity are both forms of malnutrition. Both conditions during pregnancy could have adverse consequences on the mother as well as infant later in life. Overweight and obese women are more likely to experience gestational diabetes and hypertension, which undermine their physical and psychological well-being during pregnancy and increase their chance of delivering macrosomic babies (babies born with a birth weight 3 4kg), who may develop obesity and diabetes later in life.[7] Women at the community level may not have sufficient knowledge on maternal nutrition. Recent interventions in JGH Fall 2019 | Volume IX Issue II
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