Women Beliefs & Practices regarding Food during Pregnancy---a Hospital Based Study”

INTRODUCTION Lack of crucial nutrients during pregnancy is likewise Pregnancy is one of the most nutritionally demanding associated with pre-eclampsia and hypertension, both of times in a woman’s life. Although it is a normal which can lead to increased perinatal mortality. In physiological process but it is a time when the nutritional addition, foetal under nutrition has been found to be needs of the mother and the fetus must be met through associated with increased risks of mental and neurocareful choice of foods. Even before pregnancy begins, behavioural impairment, as well as some congenital nutrition is a primary factor in the health of mother and anomalies (e.g. neural tube defects). Under nutrition is baby. A well-balanced diet before conception contributes an important factor responsible for low birth weight which to a healthy pregnancy. is an important factor for high infant and maternal mortality rate. Appropriate nutritional practices on the The period of development in the womb is critical for the other hand play a vital role in determining optimal health 1 health of the child, both at birth and long afterwards. One and development of infants . of the most important risk factors at this stage is maternal nutrition. Inadequate nourishment increases risks of a Nutrition is the main area of public health interest and wide range of gestational and perinatal problems. Low particularly maternal nutrition has a prime role as it’s not birth weight is especially important, for this not only one only affecting the health of the mother but also our future of the main causes of perinatal mortality, but also has generation. Healthy beginning mainly depends on long-term effects on development and health status. maternal diet. This area has been heavily influenced by ORIGINAL PROF-1709 PREGNANCY AND FOOD WOMEN BELIEFS & PRACTICES REGARDING FOOD DURING PREGNANCY---A HOSPITAL BASED STUDY”