Thus, pregnant women who have limited access to affordable, nutritious and healthy foods are more likely to develop physical and mental health problems, with consequences also on the growth and health outcomes of their babies.
What we call “food insecurity” has particularly severe consequences during pregnancy: these pregnant women faced with this insecurity are 4 times more likely to mental health disorders – like the stressl’anxiety and the depression -. Not to mention add the authors, an increased risk ofobesityof gestational diabetes and of dental problems.
The study analyzes data from high-income countries since the 2008 global financial crisis to clarify the links between food insecurity and the health of mother and baby during pregnancy. The study is carried out in the United Kingdom, where, in recent years and as in many countries, food insecurity has increased significantly: it is estimated – in the United Kingdom – that more than 1 in 4 households with babies and young children under 4 years old are affected by food insecurity.
Lead author Nicola Heslehurst, Professor of Maternal and Child Nutrition at Newcastle University, recalls “how important it is for pregnant women to eat a nutritious and balanced diet for their own health and that of their developing baby. When pregnant women experience food insecurity and lack access to fruits and vegetables, they face many health risks.
The scale of the risks, highlighted by our study, is quite shocking, particularly for mental health, obesity and gestational diabetes.”
Finally, these risks also long-term consequences for children also, such as increased risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
Overall, the study urgently calls for increased support for the poorest households of childbearing age or with young children, for better access to quality food, to reduce the impact of food insecurity.
“Temporary emergency measures to combat food insecurity, such as the use of food banks, will not solve the underlying social and economic problems. We need much more financial support from governments to ensure that women and babies are protected from food insecurity, particularly during conception and pregnancy.”
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