3. Methods An exploratory research design with a prospective cohort approach was adopted for the study. All pregnant women attending antenatal clinic of the setting were considered as population. Pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria and volunteered to participate in the study were recruited to the study as convenient samples. The study was conducted among 500 low risk pregnant women attending one of the major government hospitals in southern state of Kerala, India during the period from June 2004 – July 2005. Only willing women in the age group of 18–35 years with low risk pregnancy and singleton foetus expecting normal delivery were selected for the study provided they were educated, having sound mental and physical health. All pregnant women with moderate and high risk pregnancy were excluded.