Factors Influencing the Exclusion of Food during Pregnancy in Uttarakhand

Abstract

There are multiple reasons for assuring adequate micro nutrient status pre pregnancy and throughout lactation to achieve optimal infant and young child outcomes and maternal health. Multiple micronutrient containing supplements are widely available and after initial survey for adequacy, women should be encouraged to take supplements when their needs are not met by food-based or fortification approaches. Figures, showing distribution of pregnant women according to the education, economic status, locality, food habits and percentage of women who excluding food and further distribution according to the education, socioeconomic status, and locality revealed that a major proportion (87%) of women were excluding some or the other food during pregnancy, out of these 78% were from lower socioeconomic status and also had low level of education. It is concluded from the study that Uttarakhand women who exclude food constitute the major proportions i.e. 87%, and further distribution according to the education, socioeconomic status, and locality revealed that out of these 78 percent were from lower socioeconomic status andalso had low level of education. However no major difference as per location was apparent from the data i.e. in rural or urban women. Major groups of foods being eliminated were nuts, fruits and vegetables and non-veg food like; milk, meat, eggs having greater importance during pregnancy however as these were excluded by women from lower socioeconomic strata the reason may be affordability apart from the reasons given i.e. hotness or cold foods criteria.