ABSTRACT
Cultural beliefs have great influence, especially on the time a pregnancy is acknowledged and reported. Understanding of cultures and religious beliefs are important for health care providers who are challenged to provide culturally sensitive care to diverse populations. Some of these traditional practices may delay recovery or cause danger. This study was performed to find out the traditional practices used by mothers to relieve some complaints during pregnancy, their care and the effect of educational level on using traditional practices. The total sample included 200 pregnant women. They were selected from maternal child health centers in Zagazig city. An interview questionnaire sheet was designed to fulfill the aim of the study. Significant difference was observed between levels of education and practices used to relieve minor discomfort. Also significant difference was found between practices used for prenatal care and levels of education. The healthy traditional practices were used more frequently by mothers with high and middle levels of education but illiterates and mothers with low educational level sometimes used unhealthy practices. It is recommended that mothers during pregnancy need to be educated about prenatal care and how to relieve minor discomfort during pregnancy to correct any misconception and help them to use healthy practices for their care