A total of 770 pregnant women form six villages near Pune were included in the study and data on 633 full-term babies was analysed. Mothers were assessed for their intake and activity two times (at 18 th week and at 28 th week) during pregnancy and birth measurements were recorded within 72 hours of delivery.

Maternal intakes were significantly higher during winter, which is a harvest period while maternal activity was lowest during summer, which is a slack/hungry period. Birth weight was associated with maternal intakes in early gestation (18 th week) whereas maternal activity at late gestation (28 th week) had a significant negative association in all the seasons.

Prevalence of low birth weight was highest (41.1 per cent) by the end of rainy season and lowest (13.8 per cent) in summer. Exposure to the winter season had independent positive effect on birth weight and women who are exposed to the entire (October to January) winter season during gestation were likely to have birth weights higher by 90 gm. The interactive effect of higher maternal intakes with low maternal activity showed significantly higher birth weights, Rao explained.

These findings have tremendous implications for rural communities in India, says Yajnik who points out that the benefits of higher intake in winter season could be maximised by reduction in maternal activity. This can be achieved by advising pregnant women for lowering their activity in winter season especially the agricultural tasks which are laborious, tedious and demand long hours of sitting in squatting position.

... contd.