Adolescents in India represent almost one-third of the total country's population. A large number of them are out of school, get married early, work in vulnerable situations, are sexually active, and are exposed to peer pressure. These factors have serious social, economic and public health implications. Adolescence in girls has been recognized as a turbulent period which signifies the transition from girlhood to womanhood and considered as a landmark of female puberty. Menstruation is regarded as unclean or dirty in Indian society. Although it is a natural process, is linked with several...

"How much did he / she weigh? is often the first question proud parents are asked after they have announced the sex of their newly delivered progeny. Having a low birth weight baby can cause emotional, social and financial stress for the family. In one mothers words "It is difficult to portray in writing the stress and fear felt as a parent when your child comes into this world not as expected". The prevalence of LBW babies in India has not decreased to a much extent in the last few decades despite of the continuous efforts of the Government to improve maternal and child health care services....