How Food Insecurity During Pregnancy Increases Risks of Perinatal Complications – Insights from Physician’s Weekly

MONDAY, Jan. 27, 2025 — A recent study highlights a concerning link between food insecurity during pregnancy and an increased risk of complications. Published in JAMA Network Open, it shows that lacking adequate access to food can have serious effects on both mothers and their babies.

Researchers, led by Dr. Rana Chehab from Kaiser Permanente Northern California, examined data collected from a pregnancy survey over two years. Out of nearly 20,000 participants, 14% reported facing food insecurity while pregnant. This situation is more than just an inconvenience. The study found that those with food insecurity faced higher risks of serious conditions. These included gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and the need for neonatal intensive care.

For those without food assistance, the risks were even more pronounced. For instance, the chance of developing gestational diabetes was 20% higher among food-insecure mothers. In comparison, mothers who received food assistance showed some reduced risks, though preeclampsia remained a concern with an adjusted relative risk of 1.64.

The findings underscore the importance of addressing food insecurity in expecting mothers. The researchers stressed that public health policies should enhance food assistance programs, ensuring more pregnant women can access the food they need for healthier pregnancies and outcomes.

Learn more about the study in the full article here.