Food taboos and other cultural taboos in history of miscarriage: a hospital-based study from India

BACKGROUND: Culture has an important influence on taboos during pregnancy with respect to food and other cultural practices in order to protect the pregnancy from any adversities. However, these dietary restrictions during pregnancy which consequently result in depletion of important micronutrients may be implicated in miscarriages. This study aimed to document the taboos, their cultural contexts and the association with miscarriage in light of maternal nutritional indicators (homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the 822 pregnant women attending Antenatal care clinic at Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lady Hardinge Medical College. Data on socio-demographic, reproductive profile and anthropometric variables were collected using standard techniques. Data pertaining to food and other cultural taboos were collected using semi-structured questionnaire. Blood samples (5mL) were collected from all participants for estimation of biochemical variables. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: The prevalence of food taboo and other cultural taboos was observed in 83.9% and 53.3% of the recruited pregnant women, respectively. Ten categories of food items and other cultural taboos were observed and documented with their respective reasons behind following the taboo. Participants who did not practise food taboos and those who practised other cultural taboos showed significant increased risk for miscarriage. Further, practicing food taboos was seen to pose significant increased risk for low vitamin B12 and high homocysteine. CONCLUSION: The present study highlights the role of food taboos and other cultural taboos in maternal health in India. Although the traditional knowledge of taboos play a protective role in miscarriage, they seem to be causing risk for micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant women. This warrants careful dietary counselling during ANC visits, keeping in view the strong cultural contexts of practicing taboos.