The role of cultural beliefs on eating patterns and food practices among pregnant women: a systematic review

Abstract

Context Despite the importance of cultural beliefs in clinical practice, few systematic reviews have investigated how these beliefs influence food practices in pregnant women. Objective To explore the role of cultural beliefs in eating patterns and food practices among pregnant women, highlighting food recommendations, food taboos and restrictions, and their association with health. Data Sources A systematic review was conducted using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science from May 2014 to May 2019. Data Extraction Articles were included if the studies included pregnant women, analyzed how cultural beliefs may influence eating patterns, were peer-reviewed articles with original data, published in the last 5 years, and in English or Spanish language. Quality assessment was also performed. Data Analysis A total of 544 articles were identified in the search and 24 were included in the final analysis (17 using qualitative design, 6 using quantitative design, and 1 with a mixed-design). These studies were predominantly from the African continent (n = 15). Our findings showed that culture is a key factor related to “taboos” and food restrictions, which are transmitted by the family or members of community, having a strong religious or spiritual influence. All these restrictions are related to the fear of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes such as the risk of abortion, dystocia, and congenital macrosomia, or are used to avoid child problems such as cutaneous and respiratory disorders. Conclusions Findings from this study indicate cultural beliefs are strongly associated with food patterns and eating habits in pregnant women. Administrators and health professionals should be aware of these beliefs to minimize problems in the perinatal period.

Small vulnerable newborns—big potential for impact

“…47 Finally, cultural beliefs, norms and social support given to a pregnant woman may affect her dietary patterns, macro-and micronutrient intakes, smoking, other health-related behaviours and health care utilisation, ultimately also affecting the duration of pregnancy and newborn size. [48][49][50] The most commonly highlighted adverse exposures that initiate or contribute to fetal growth restriction and preterm birth include maternal underweight 51 , short stature 52 , anaemia [53][54][55] , and infections. [56][57][58][59][60] Another large group includes various environmental exposures, such as air pollution [61][62][63] , intimate partner violence 64,65 , physical workload 66 , and tobacco 67 or alcohol 68,69 consumption.…”

Working with indigenous knowledge: Strategies for health professionals

“…Some of these beliefs also prescribe the amount and type of food to be taken that will lead to safe delivery (Ekwochi et al 2016). African pregnant females adhere to their food beliefs and practices primarily as a form of respect and allegiance to their ancestors and for the safety of their babies (De Diego-Cordero et al 2020). Some of these beliefs are good, while others are injurious to the pregnant females and the development of the foetus.…”

Cultural food practices and sources of nutrition information among pregnant and postpartum migrant women from low- and middle-income countries residing in high income countries: A systematic review

“…Findings from studies conducted in a range of LMICs, including Pakistan [ 2 ], South Africa [ 4 ], and India [ 6 ], show that the cultural food practices that pregnant women engage in can lead to restrictions of essential nutrients crucial for the health of both the mother and fetus. A recent review [ 7 ] of women in Kenya and Indonesia found they restricted food including meat, eggs, and fruit, during pregnancy as a way to avoid difficult deliveries and reduce the risk of caesarean sections [ 7 ]. However, it is worth noting that in some cultural contexts, there exists a belief that the avoidance or consumption of specific foods contributes to the health of both mothers and fetus [ 8 , 9 ].…”