Cultural Belief and Traditional Practices During Pregnancy: A Comparative Study Between Urban and Rural Areas in Kaliyaganj

This study explores the cultural beliefs and traditional practices associated with pregnancy among women in both rural and urban areas of Kaliyaganj block, district of Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal. Pregnancy, as a significant life event, is deeply embedded within cultural frameworks that influence maternal behavior, dietary practices, and healthcare choices. The primary objective of this research is to examine and compare these practices across rural and urban settings, while also assessing their implications for maternal health. The study adopts a qualitative and comparative research design, based on primary data collected from 40 respondents using snowball sampling techniques. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews, and analyzed using thematic methods. The findings reveal that rural women tend to adhere more strongly to traditional beliefs, including food taboos, ritual restrictions, and reliance on traditional healers, whereas urban women show a greater inclination towards modern medical practices and institutional healthcare. However, certain cultural practices continue to persist across both contexts, reflecting the enduring influence of tradition. The study highlights the complex interaction between culture, education, and access to healthcare, and suggests the need for culturally sensitive health interventions to improve maternal well-being.