International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Anupriya, Raj Pathania, Madhur Katoch and Rohit Singh

abstract
Various indigenous practices and beliefs related to food intake or avoidance during pregnancy vary widely across different culture and regions. This study was aimed to compare the food intake and food avoidance practices in the selected districts and to document and validate the indigenous practices in Kangra and Una district of Himachal Pradesh. A total sample of 150 rural women (75 respondents from each district) was selected for the study. A self-structured questionnaire was prepared in Hindi for data collection. Door to door survey was conducted and data were collected through interview method. Consent was taken assurance was given to maintain confidentiality of the respondents. 30 ayurvedic doctors were consulted from both districts to validate the food consumed or avoided during pregnancy. Findings indicated that walnut and ghee were consumed by pregnant women in Kangra and Una districts respectively. Panjeeri/sundh was recommended in both of the districts. During pregnancy papaya and raw rice were avoided in both of the districts and doctors validate restriction of these food items as the craving of raw rice results in anemia reported by doctors and papaya was recommended to be avoided in the first trimester as it may lead to abortion/ miscarriage. Pregnant women followed these practices as a part of their cultural belief.