KIU Journal of Humanities

KIU Journal of Humanities Copyright©2020

Kampala International University ISSN: 2415-0843; 5(3): 153-161

Nutritional Practices among Expectant Mothers in Jos North Local Government Area of
Plateau State, Nigeria

ELIZABETH A. HARUNA
University of Jos, Nigeria

Abstract. The study was carried out to help find out amount of the stipulated food at the right time and
the nutritional knowledge and practices among hour. Brien (2010) describes nutrition as the study of
expectant mothers in Jos North Local Government food and nourishments, examining the nutritional
Area of Plateau State. The survey research design content of food, the amount of nutrient required for
was used for the study. The population of the study is healthy growth and function, and varies for different
made up of all expectant mothers in Jos North Local people. In other words, nutrition is the science that
Government Area of Plateau State, out of these the deals with the nature and composition of food, the
total sample size of 225 were used for the study, a amount of food required by the body, as well as the
structured questionnaire of six sections was used to physical and chemical changes brought about by the
elicit information on the nutritional practices among intake of food. In addition, nutrition is the sum
expectant mothers, health problems associated with processes concerned with the growth, maintenance
the nutritional practices of expectant mothers, foods and repairs of the body as whole and its constituent
commonly eaten by expectant mothers, cultural parts. However, healthy and complete nutrition is
practices of expectant mothers, health problems of something wider than the mere intake of scientific
cultural practices associated with nutrition of the food. Nutrition requires not only a sufficient and
expectant mothers. The instrument was given to three properly balanced diet but also a healthy, receptive
experts in research, who of whom are from the and responding body. This may however depend on
department of Physical and Health Education and one the knowledge of nutrition among expectant mothers.
from test and measurement department of the Faculty
of Education University of Jos whose input on the As defined by Oxford dictionary (2019) practice is
instrument were very helpful. It was pretested using the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or
respondent with similar characteristics to those in the method, as opposed to theories relating to it. Practice
area of the main study and a reliability coefficient may be looked as to mean repetition of an activity to
index of 0.8 was obtained, which was seen as a improve skill in a particular phenomenon, in this case
reliable figure for the instrument to be used for the nutritional practices among expectant mothers.
present study. The public health educators and
workers should organize seminars on nutritional In the mid-west (Edo-Delta) states of Nigeria, meat
knowledge and practices among expectant mothers in and eggs are not usually given to children, because
the area of study. Expectant mothers should eat more parents believe it will make the children steal. In
during pregnancy to avoid fatal malnutrition, as well some parts of Ishan, Afemai, and Isoko Divisions
as eat balanced diet during the period of pregnancy pregnant women avoid snails, whereas pregnant
women of the Asaba Division are neither allowed to
Keywords: Nutritional practices, expectant mothers, eat eggs nor drink milk, “because it is feared the
Jos North, children may develop bad habits after birth”. Women
tribals of the Ika Division are forbidden to consume
porcupine as that is thought to cause a delay in
1. Introduction labour.

Nutrition of humans cannot be over emphasized as A document prepared by the Food and Nutrition Unit
food serves as the fuel for human functions, to make in the Ministry of Planning and Economic
it effective individuals must eat right and adequate Development indicated that milk, eggs, and goat‟s

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meat are the major food items prohibited during well-being of mother and the newborn infant is
pregnancy in most parts of the country. Another greatly determined by the nutrition of the expectant
study showed that milk and green vegetables are mother during pregnancy and it further influences the
prohibited during pregnancy in many areas. Major health of the child during childhood and adulthood
reasons given by the women as to why they avoid (Scholl and Johnson, 2000). According to a previous
some foods include fear of difficult delivery as a study (Harding, 2001), spontaneous abortion,
result of big babies following the consumption of impaired fetal growth, poor pregnancy weight gain,
foods presumed to increase the size of the fetus. learning impairment, and behavioural problems of the
Other reasons include fear of abortions and offspring are caused by inadequate nutrition during
discolouration of the fetal body. pregnancy. According to Ramakrishnan (2004), a
majority of low birth weight (LBW) infants in
An expectant mother according to Crowder (1995) is developing countries are due to intrauterine growth
a woman that is pregnant. According to him, retardation (of which Nigeria is one), (i.e., less than
pregnancy is the fertilization of an ovum and its the tenth percentile weight for gestational age). In
implantation in a woman‟s uterus. He noted further, developing countries, the most important
that for approximately nine months the mother carries determinants of intrauterine growth retardation stem
the developing child within her and that the primarily from the mother‟s poor health and
pregnancy terminates with delivery of the child, Nash nutritional status (Wardlaw, Blanc, Zupan et al.,
(2002) observed that the relationship that exists 2004).
between the mother and her unborn child is much.
According to her, “even while the child is still in the Malnutrition is ranked as one of the major causes of
womb, its genes engages the environment of the maternal mortality and it a major determinant of a
womb in an elaborate conversation, which is a two- successful pregnancy and a healthy well-nourished
way dialogue that involves not only the air the baby (Sholeye, Badejo, and Jeminusi, 2014;
mother breathes and the water she drinks but also Maduforo, 2010). Developing nations account for
what drugs she takes, what diseases she contacts and 99% of all maternal deaths in the world (World
what hardship she suffers”. According to Nash Health Organization, 2015). Nigeria has one of the
(2003) once the beginning embryo is able to obtain highest maternal death rates in the world with the
good nutrition directly from the mother, development current rate of 576 deaths per 100,000 live births
can proceed more rapidly. But if what is obtained for where the present study is conducted (National
the mother is not nutritional healthy or balanced, so Population Commission, 2013). These staggering
many complications are bound to arise in pregnancy. statistics shows that while it is important that the
Hazards increase with age, the number of major avoidable causes of maternal mortality and
pregnancies and the intervals between pregnancies adverse pregnancy outcome are eliminated by
influence the nutritional needs of the mother and looking into the feeding practices of women due to
outcome of pregnancy. Nutrition during pregnancy their traditional beliefs and taboos, and also to
affects not only fetal development, but also the risk determine its effect on their nutritional status.
of chronic diseases for that infant in adulthood
(Koletzko, 2012; Silveira et al., 2007). In Nigeria, improper dietary practices of pregnant
women have apparently led to increased rates of
Furthermore, evidences manifested that adequate stillbirths, premature births, low birth weight,
intake of nutrition is a key component for maternal and prenatal deaths (Bhargava, 2000;
individual‟s health and well-being, particularly Ramkrishnan, 2004). Food consumption practices of
during pregnancy. It is well documented that pregnant women in Nigeria are highly influenced by
inadequate maternal nutrition results in increased many socio-cultural factors such as food taboos,
risks of short term consequences such as; Intra family food distribution, food beliefs, and food
Uterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), low birth restriction practices (Sholeye, Badejo, and Jeminusi,
weight, preterm birth, prenatal and infant mortality 2014; Ojofeitimi, Ogunjuyigbe, Sanusi et al., 2008;
and morbidity. Moreover, excessive intake of Ogunjuyibe and Maduforo, 2010). In a study
nutrients during pregnancy can lead to some conducted by Maduforo (2010) in Nwangele Local
pregnancy complications (such as preeclampsia and Government Area (LGA) of Imo State, south-eastern
gestational diabetes, macrosomia, distocia, and Nigeria, it revealed that 15.0% of the respondents
higher prevalence of caesarean section) Luigi et al., mentioned some foods as taboos in the study area and
(2005). 38.0% of the pregnant women were malnourished.
The problem of malnutrition among women is of Maduforo (2010) observed that pregnant women held
serious public health concern (Maduforo, 2010). The onto the food taboos handed down from generation to

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generation, including prohibition of Grasscutter meat, 3. Methods

Cassava meals (fufu), Spaghetti (pasta), Noodles,
Cocoa beverages, Eggs, and Snails. Some of the In order to achieve the purpose of the study, the
prohibited or avoided foods are common sources of survey design was employed. Trochim (2006) stated
essential nutrients that are essential for improving that survey research is one of the most important
maternal and child health (Ojofeitimi, Ogunjuyigbe, research of measurement. To him the broad area of
Sanusi et al., 2008). survey research encompasses any measurement
procedure that involves asking question of
As a result of the well-entrenched traditional food respondents. He further said a ”survey” can be
taboos and socio-cultural beliefs relating to dietary anything in form of a short paper and pencil feedback
intake during pregnancy, many pregnant women have form to an intensive one-on-one in depth interview.
misinformation about the harmful effects of these Miller (1980) stated that a survey gathers data at a
taboo foods (Kavle, Mehanna, Saleh et al., 2014). In particular point in time with the intention of
some sub-Saharan African countries including describing the nature of existing conditions. It was
Nigeria, it is commonly believed that sexually therefore considered appropriate for population of the
transmitted diseases or complications during study.
childbirth are the result of the violation of food Population refers to the total number of people or
taboos (King, 2000; Maimbolwa, Yamba, Diwan et group of people or things the researcher is interested
al., 2003; Maduforo, 2010). An earlier study in studying and about which he/she intends to obtain
conducted in Nigeria by Odebiyi (1989) observed certain information and draw conclusions. The
that Yoruba traditional healers in Nigeria often population of the study is made up of all expectant
interpreted the occurrence or persistence of illness as mothers in Jos North Local Government Area of
a punishment for the violation of food taboos. It will Plateau State. Sample is a portion selected from the
therefore not be surprising if some pregnant Yoruba population t be studied and generalized to whole
women have inadequate knowledge and population. For this research work, the sample of
misperceptions relating to necessary diets. Issues expectant mothers was drawn from mothers that
relating to knowledge and socio-cultural factors volunteered. Two hundred and twenty five (225)
influencing dietary intake among pregnant women expectant mothers were sample for the study.
especially in south-western parts of Nigeria have not Sampling technique is defined as a systematic
been well documented. It is possible that the same process employed to select a required proportion of
condition exist in the present area of study hence this the target population (Daramola, 2007). For the
may affect the Nutritional Knowledge and Practices research work, sample of the mothers were drawn
among Expectant Mothers in Jos North Local from expectant mothers that volunteered. Two
Government Area of Plateau state. hundred and twenty five volunteers were sampled for
the study. For the purpose of this research work, the
2. Research Questions instrument used for data collection is structured
questionnaire developed by the researcher after a
To give direction to the present study, the following careful view of relevant literature practices of
research questions were asked: expectant mothers. The researcher developed
- What are the nutritional practices among questionnaire entitled „Practices among Expectant
expectant mothers in Jos North Local Mothers in Jos North Local Government Area of
Government Area? Plateau State‟.
- What are the health problems associated
with the nutritional practices of expectant A research instrument is said to be valid when it
mothers in Jos North Local Government measures truly and accurately what it tends to
Area? measure. In validating the research instruments, the
- What are the types of food commonly eaten issue of validity and reliability of the instruments are
by expectant mothers in Jos North Local imperative. Validity is the most vital characteristics
Government Area? of any research instrument to be valid; it must be
- What are the cultural practices of expectant relevant and reliable. The reliability of research
mothers in Jos North Local Government instrument was determined through the outcome of
Area? the pretest using the split-half method. This because
- What are the health problems of cultural it is mustly used in determining internal consistency
practices associated with nutrition of the of written test. A step up procedure of Crombach
expectant mothers in Jos North Local (1951) alfa co-efficient formula was used to estimate
Government Area?

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the reliability of the instrument and a reliability co- respondents that they are free to decide on whatever
efficient of .76 was obtained. information they wish to share with the researcher
and that they are under no pressure or obligation to
To further ensure the content validity of the disclose information that they do not wish to disclose.
instrument, the researcher subjected it to judgement And for the purpose of ensuring hundred percent
from an experts so as to obtain the adequacy and return of the questionnaire, the completed
comprehensiveness of the items as well as the clarity questionnaires were collected on the spot.
of expression used. Based on the expert‟s advice, Simple percentage method of data analysis was
some items were modified, some retained and others employed to analyze the data. The choice of simple
deleted. percentage method of data analysis is appropriate
because of clarity in the presentation of information
The rights and dignity of participants and privacy thus facilitating the reader‟s understanding
was considered. The research makes it clear to

4. Discussion

Table 1: Nutritional Practices among Expectant Mothers

N=225
S/N Item Yes No
f % f %
1 I don‟t drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy 37 16.44 177 78.67
2 I don‟t take milk and pineapple during pregnancy 73 32.44 144 64
3 I lose appetite during pregnancy 133 59.11 75 33.33
4 I go for regular antenatal visits 196 87.11 16 7.11
5 My food intake increases during pregnancy 150 66.67 61 27.11
6 After eating I often exercise 136 60.44 75 33.33
7 Healthy eating gives healthy birth 198 88 13 5.78

The result in table 1 indicates that I drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy 177(78.67%), I don‟t take milk and
pineapple during pregnancy 144(64%), I lose appetite during pregnancy 133(59.11%), I go for regular antenatal
visits 196(87.11%), My food intake increases during pregnancy 150(66.67%), After eating i often exercise
136(60.44%), Healthy eating gives healthy birth198 (88%). These are the nutritional practices among respondents
(expectant mothers).

Table 2: Health Problems Associated with the Nutritional Practices of Expectant Mothers
N=225
S/N Items Yes No
f % f %
1 Eating less causes fatal malnutrition 184 81.78 26 11.56
2 Low intake of vegetables leads to anemia 171 76 36 16
3 Too makes delivery difficult 103 45.78 108 48
4 Lack of exercise causes high blood pressure 169 75.11 40 17.78
5 Food containing too much calories leads to heart burn 186 82.67 25 11.11
6 Maternal under-nutrition diminishes a women‟s productivity 144 64 45 20
7 Low intake of water leads to vomiting 105 46.67 99 44
8 Contaminated water causes typhoid 195 86.67 6 2.67
9 Eating uncovered food leads to cholera 197 87.56 10 4.44
10 Poor maternal nutrition leads to infant mortality(death) 191 84.89 9 4

The result in table 2 indicates that Eating less causes fatal malnutrition 184(81.78%), Low intake of vegetables leads
to anemia 171(76%), Too much food makes delivery difficult 108(48%), Lack of exercise causes high blood
pressure 169(75.11%), Food containing too much calories leads to heart burn 186(82.67%), Maternal under nutrition
diminishes a woman‟s productivity 144(64%), Low intake of water leads to vomiting 105(46.67%), Contaminated
water causes typhoid 195(86.67%), Eating uncovered food leads to cholera 197(84.89%), Poor maternal nutrition
leads to infant mortality (death) 191(84.89%). These are the health problems associated with nutritional practices
among respondents (expectant mothers).

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Table 3: Foods Commonly Eaten by Expectant Mothers

N=225
S/N Item Yes No
f % f %
1 Fruits 204 90.67 3 1.33
2 Carbohydrates 184 81.78 23 10.22
3 Vegetables 203 90.22 2 0.89
4 Protein 208 92.44 4 1.78
5 Water 205 91.11 4 1.78
6 Beverages 173 76.89 32 14.22
7 Snacks 154 68.44 49 21.78
8 Grains(cereals) 181 80.44 19 8.44
9 Food containing calcium 187 83.11 13 5.78
10 Poultry foods 181 80.44 21 9.33

The result in table 3 indicates that Fruits 204(90.67%), Carbohydrates 184(81.78), Vegetables 203(90.22%), Protein
208(92.44%), Water 205(91.11%), Beverages 173(76.89%), Snacks 154(68.44%), Grains(cereals) 181(80.44%),
Food containing calcium 187(83.11%), Poultry foods 181(80.44%). These are the foods commonly eaten by
respondents (expectant mothers).

Table 4: Cultural Practices of Expectant Mothers

N=225
S/N Item Yes No
f % f %
1 Eating meat is forbidden in my culture 32 14.22 170 75.56
2 Pounding is not allowed in my culture 94 41.78 114 50.67
3 Milk and green vegetables are prohibited during pregnancy 47 20.89 159 70.67
4 Eating eggs in my culture bad for pregnant women 31 13.78 183 81.33
5 Going out late at night is a taboo 124 55.11 85 37.78
6 Going out in the afternoon is forbidden 39 17.33 162 72
7 Eating banana is a grave offence in my culture 26 11.56 180 80
8 My culture forbids delivery 34 15.11 170 75.56
9 Alcoholic beverages is accepted in my culture 46 20.44 159 70.67
10 Antenatal is forbidden in my culture 21 9.33 183 81.33

The result in table 4 indicates that Eating meat is forbidden in my culture 170(75.56%), Pounding is not allowed
during pregnancy114(50.67%), Milk and green vegetables are prohibited during pregnancy 159(70.67%), Eating
eggs in my culture is bad for pregnant women 183( 81.33%), Going out late at night is a taboo 124(55.11%), Going
out in the afternoon is forbidden 162(72%), Eating banana is a grave offence in my culture 180(80%), My culture
forbids delivery outside the home 170(75.65%), Alcoholic beverages is accepted in my culture 159(70.67%),
Antenatal is forbidden in my culture 183(81.33%). These are the cultural practices among respondents (expectant
mothers).
The answer answering research question six are contained in table 8 below

Table 5: Health Problems With Cultural Practices Associated on Nutrition of Expectant Mothers
N=225
S/N Item Yes No
f % f %
1 Food taboo leads to maternal under-nutrition 120 53.33 75 33.33
2 Bad traditional food habits leads to nutritional deficiency 139 61.78 55 24.44
3 Food taboo to expectant mothers leads to low birth weight 141 62.67 59 26.22
4 Avoidance of good food leads to allergies 142 63.11 55 24.44
5 Inadequate nutrition endangers mother and fetus(birth) 189 84 8 3.56
6 Poor nutrition leads to difficulty in child birth 183 81.33 15 6.67
7 Avoiding antenatal visits can lead to maternal death 182 80.89 13 5.78
8 Infant death can be caused by skipping antenatal 156 69.33 43 19.11
9 Low calcium and iron intake leads to anemia 181 80.44 13 5.78
10 Avoiding balanced diet leads to low birth weight(BMI) 190 84.44 8 3.56

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The result in table 5 indicates that Food taboo leads pointed out that more than 7 million newborn deaths
to maternal under nutrition 120(53.33%), Bad are associated with maternal health and nutrition
traditional food habits leads to nutritional deficiency related problems or inadequate care of the neonate
139(61.78%), Food taboo to expectant mothers leads soon after birth. In addition, AED LINKAGES
to low birth weight 141(62.67%), Avoidance of good (2004) found out that maternal malnutrition is
food can leads to allergies 142(63.11%), Inadequate influenced not only by lack of adequate nutrition but
nutrition endangers mother and fetus(child) also influenced by factors like socio demographic
189(84%), Poor nutrition leads to difficulty in child factors, knowledge of mothers, attitude and practice
birth 183(81.33%), Avoiding antenatal visits can lead of mothers during pregnancies. Discussing about
to maternal death 182(80.89%), Infant death can be maternal under-nutrition diminishes a woman‟s
caused by skipping antenatal 156(69.33%), Low productivity by AED LINKAGES (2004) found out
calcium and iron intake leads to anemia that maternal under-nutrition also diminishes a
181(80.44%), Avoiding balanced diet leads to low woman‟s productivity, causing repercussions for
body weight (BMI) 190(84.44%). These are the herself, her family, her community, and the broader
health problems of cultural practices associated with society. Furthermore, discussing on too much food
nutrition of the respondents (expectant mothers). makes delivery difficult, a study by Boulet (2003)
posited that obese women are more than twice as
Table 1 shows that healthy eating gives healthy birth likely to give birth to a large for gestational age baby
198 (88%), I go for regular antenatal visits compared to a normal weight woman which
196(87.11%), my food intake increases during significantly increases the risk of complications
pregnancy 150 (66.67%), I don‟t take milk and associated with delivery.
pineapple during pregnancy 144(64%). These results
were expected because these seem to be the common Table 3 shows that protein 208(92.44%), water
practices among expectant mothers in the area. This 205(91.11%), food containing calcium 187(83.11%),
is in line with the study by Shom (2010) who pointed carbohydrates 184(81.78%). These results were
out that pregnant women had a high level of healthy expected because this seems to be the common food
dietary behaviours in the aspects of quality of diet eaten by expectant mothers in the study area. This is
and avoiding diet during pregnancy, except in line with the study by Murray and Mckinney
supplementary diet during pregnancy needed to be (2014) pointed out that protein intake of
improved. This is consistent with a study by Islam approximately 71 grams/day is recommended during
and Ullah (2005) which found out that about 75% the second half of pregnancy. In addition, Davidson
women believe that mother‟s malnutrition is the main et al (2008) found out that a pregnant woman should
cause of child malnutrition. In addition, Choudhury consume at least 8-10 glasses of fluid each day of
and Ahmed (2011) found out that a qualitative study which 4-6 glasses should be water. Other beverages
among ultra-poor pregnant women found that women such as juices and milk can contribute water as well
usually considered a pregnancy and no prior as other nutrients to the diet. Discussing about food
preparation for childbirth was taken. Discussing containing calcium by Murray and Mckinney (2014),
about food intake increase by Choudhury and Ahmed adequate intake for calcium for the pregnant women
(2011) found out that western biomedical paradigm‟s is 1000 milligrams per day and sources in dairy
definition of healthy eating while pregnant, states that products, salmon, sardines with bones, legumes,
women should consume more calories during this fortified juice. Furthermore, discussing on
time. Furthermore, discussing on I don‟t take milk carbohydrates, a study by USDA (2010) stated that
and pineapple during pregnancy, a study by Islam carbohydrate needs of the pregnant women increase
and Ullah (2005) observed that pregnant women do especially the last two trimesters. Carbohydrate
not take milk (21%), pineapple (75%), banana (10%) intake promotes weight gain and growth of the
for various disbeliefs. foetus, placenta and other maternal tissues.

Table 2 shows that poor nutrition leads to infant Table 4 shows that eating eggs in my culture is bad
mortality(death) 191(84.89%), eating less causes fatal for pregnant women 183(81.33%), eating meat is
malnutrition 184(81.78%), maternal under-nutrition forbidden in my culture 170(75.56%), milk and green
diminishes a woman‟s productivity 144(64%), too vegetables are prohibited during pregnancy
much food make delivery difficult 103(45.78%). 159(70.67%). These results were not expected
These results were expected because this seems to be because they don‟t believe in all those practices
the health problems associated with nutritional because of modern trends that are based on scientific
practices among expectant mothers in the study area. facts rather than beliefs. Food and Nutrition Unit,
This is in line with the study by Wito (2017) who Ministry of Planning and Economic Development

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(2012) expressed that milk, eggs and goats meat are mothers in Jos North Local Government
the major food items prohibited during pregnancy in Area of Plateau State.
most parts of the country. In addition, Beddada - Poor nutrition leads to infant mortality
(2012) pointed out that milk and green vegetables are (death), eating less causes fatal malnutrition,
prohibited during pregnancy in many areas. and maternal under-nutrition diminishes a
Furthermore Ogbeide (2014) found out that pregnant woman‟s productivity are the health
women of Afemai and Isoko Divisions avoid snails, problems associated with the nutritional
where as pregnant women of the Asaba Division are practices of expectant mothers in Jos North
neither allowed to eat eggs nor drink milk. Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Table 5 shows that avoiding balanced diet leads to - Protein, water, and food containing calcium
low body mass index (BMI) 190(84.44%), low are the foods commonly eaten by expectant
calcium and iron intake leads to anemia mothers in Jos North Government Area of
181(80.44%), bad traditional food habits leads to Plateau State.
nutritional deficiency 139(61.78%), food taboo leads - Eating eggs in my culture is bad for
to maternal under-nutrition 120(53.33%). These pregnant women, eating meat is forbidden in
results were expected because these are the common my culture, and milk and green vegetables
problems experienced by expectant mothers in the are prohibited during pregnancy are the
area of study. Oni et al., (2012) stated that factors cultural practices of expectant mothers in
associated with adherence to food taboos include Jos North Local Government Area of
primigravity, teenage pregnancy, lack of formal Plateau State.
education, low household incomes, signifying low - Avoiding balanced diet leads to low body
socio-economic status and a low body mass index. In mass index (BMI), low calcium and iron
addition, Olatunbosun et al., (2014) posited that the intake leads to anaemia, and bad traditional
major consequence of nutritional deficiency in food habits leads to nutritional deficiency
pregnancy is anemia. They said anemia occurs in 35- are the health problems with cultural
75% of pregnancies in Nigeria. They further stated practices associated on nutrition of the
that anemia in pregnancy is usually dimorphic- expectant mothers in Jos North Government
mainly a combination of iron and folic acid Area of Plateau State.
deficiency. Discussing about bad traditional food
habits leads to nutritional deficiency by Sholeye et 6. Recommendations
al., (2014), some food preparation practices in
Nigeria and similar countries are known to Poor nutrition leads to infant mortality (death), eating
compromise the nutritive values of foods. Badi et al., less causes fatal malnutrition, and maternal under-
(2012), reported findings for the Berom women of nutrition diminishes a woman‟s productivity are the
Northern Nigeria where 8% fried vegetable, 17% ate health problems associated with the nutritional
them raw, 5% boiled them, and 70% steamed the practices of expectant mothers in Jos North Local
vegetable. Furthermore, discussing on food taboo Government Area of Plateau State. The public health
leads to maternal under-nutrition, a study carried out educators and workers should organize seminars on
in Burkina Faso by Huybregs et al., (2009), showed nutritional knowledge and practices among expectant
that most of the respondents reported dietary mothers in the area of study. Expectant mothers
restrictions. Koryo-Dabrah et al., (2012) reported should eat more during pregnancy to avoid fatal
dietary restriction in 48% of the respondents in a malnutrition, as well as eat balanced diet during the
study carried out on pregnant women attending period of pregnancy.
antennal clinic at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and
Osu Maternity Home in Accra, Ghana. Protein, water, and food containing calcium are the
foods commonly eaten by expectant mothers in Jos
5. Conclusions North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Expectant mothers should consume more of
Based on the findings of the study the following carbohydrates as it helps them build up energy during
conclusions were drawn: labour in the area of study.

- Healthy eating gives healthy birth, I go for Avoiding balanced diet leads to low body mass index
regular antenatal visits, and my food intake (BMI), low calcium and iron intake leads to anemia,
increases during pregnancy are the and bad traditional food habits leads to nutritional
nutritional practices among expectant deficiency are the health problems of cultural
practices associated with nutrition of the expectant

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mothers in Jos North Local Government Area of Long Term Health. Proceedings of Nutrition
Plateau State. Expectant mothers should be Society. Aug; 71(3):371-8.
enlightened on the dangers of adhering to certain Koryo-Dabrah, A., Nti, C.A.,& Adamu, R.(2012)
traditional food habits through seminars and health Dietary Practices and Nutrient Intakes of
talks by public health workers. Pregnant Women in Accra, Ghana. Curr Res
J Biol Sci; 4:358-65.
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