The dietary habits and knowledge of folklore of pregnant Jamaican women

Dietary changes associated with pregnancy, cravings and knowledge of traditional folklore were explored in their socio‐economic context in 125 pregnant Jamaican women of mixed parity and social class attending an urban clinic. Most women reported dietary changes, expressing increased preferences for fluids, notably water and milk. Aversions to meat or staples were common. Cravings, especially for ice and salt/salty foods, were mentioned but pica was rare. Numerous traditional dietary customs concerning prevention of malformations, birthmarks and foetal death and facilitation of delivery, were reported. Unusual cravings and knowledge of the traditional folklore of pregnancy were significantly associated with lower socioeconomic status. The results are in keeping with a society in transition, and reflect persistence of traditional folklore with some acquisition of modern ideas.

Key words:

• pregnancy
• food cravings
• pica
• “bush teas.” nutritional folklore
• reproductive folklore
• Jamaica