Maternal and child nutrition is fundamental to ensuring healthy pregnancy outcomes, optimal fetal development, and child growth. However, cultural misbeliefs and food taboos during pregnancy and early infancy continue to pose significant barriers to achieving adequate nutritional outcomes in many societies. These practices are often rooted in traditional beliefs, social norms, and misconceptions regarding the effects of certain foods on maternal health, fetal development, childbirth, and infant well-being. As a result, pregnant women may avoid nutrient-rich foods such as eggs, fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables, while infants may be subjected to delayed breastfeeding, early introduction of inappropriate complementary foods, or restrictions on essential dietary components. Such dietary limitations can contribute to maternal undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, low birth weight, stunting, impaired cognitive development, and increased susceptibility to illness among children. This paper examines the prevalence and underlying determinants of food taboos and nutritional misbeliefs during pregnancy and early infancy, and their implications for maternal and child health outcomes. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of culturally sensitive nutrition education, community engagement, and evidence-based interventions to address harmful dietary practices while respecting local traditions. Promoting accurate nutritional knowledge among mothers, families, and communities is essential for improving maternal and child nutrition and advancing global health and sustainable development goals.
Keywords: Food taboos, maternal nutrition, child nutrition, pregnancy, infant feeding practices, cultural beliefs, nutritional misconceptions, maternal and child health, dietary practices, undernutrition.