Pregnancy related cultural food practices among Pakistani women in the UK: a qualitative study.

FOOD habits; CULTURE; SOCIALIZATION; PREGNANCY & psychology; RESEARCH methodology; SOCIAL constructionism; COMMUNICATION barriers; SYMBOLISM (Psychology); INTERVIEWING; CONFLICT of interests; MOTHERHOOD; CHILD health services; FOOD; HEALTH attitudes; STATISTICAL sampling; ATTITUDES toward pregnancy; THEMATIC analysis; PATIENT compliance; PSYCHOLOGY of immigrants; RELIGION; PREGNANCY

PAKISTAN; UNITED Kingdom

Background: Food practices are influenced by cultural traditions which continue to be important among immigrant groups in their new homeland, especially during significant life events, such as marriage, pregnancy and funerals, as well as for religious ceremonies and festivities. Aim: This study aims to explore pregnancy related food practices among first generation Pakistani women living in the UK. Methods: A total of 10 first-generation immigrant women were recruited through a voluntary organisation following a convenience sampling technique and were interviewed. Findings: The data revealed that the women attached different symbolic meanings to their food practices, particularly relating to pregnancy. These findings were based on 1) their understanding of the changes their body experienced during pregnancy and 2) responding to these changes through the consumption and/or avoidance of certain foods. Conclusion: Understanding the cultural contexts of Pakistani women in the UK is important in order to promote healthy food patterns for that cohort during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]