Poor and Pregnant in New Delhi: India

This project is an exploration of how women interpreted the cultural dietary norms for pregnancy based on their reproductive histories, socioeconomic status, and family structure, and, in turn, how their food practices shaped their nutritional and health status. Based on 15 months' fieldwork in New Delhi squatter settlements, Dr Vallianatos meticulously documents cultural values and beliefs, dietary analysis, and the nutritional and health status of mothers. From this research, it is clear that women do not blindly follow cultural dietary proscriptions but modify their diets to suit their individual realities.