Investigating the Cultural Meanings of Food During Pregnancy: A case study

Nutrition takes on different forms as a biological need in different cultures. In other words, society provides people with beneficial cognitive patterns of food choices. Under this view, recognizing the significance of nutrition helps to understand society. Based on this research, the culture of pregnancy nutrition in Yazd was analyzed using a qualitative approach and an ethnographic method. Findings showed that the cognitive pattern of nutrition in Yazd is based on the dual hot / cold, wet / dry and this pattern is present during pregnancy. According to the research findings, the patterns of nutrition culture during pregnancy change according to the myths, the nutrition of grandmothers, the level of access of women and their families to economic capital and women's access to the family support network. The nutrition codes of this period define the boundaries between experienced / inexperienced women, easy-going / ideal mothers. Gender boundaries are also being redefined in food allocation. According to the findings, people internalize the cultural taste of food and pass it on from generation to generation.