A NEW study has found that food insecurity during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of perinatal complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions. However, the study also suggests that these risks are significantly reduced among pregnant individuals who receive food assistance.
The cohort study analysed data from 19,338 pregnant individuals receiving care at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Using the validated Hunger Vital Sign screener, researchers identified that 14% of participants experienced food insecurity during pregnancy. These individuals were at significantly higher risk for gestational diabetes (13% increase), preeclampsia (28% increase), preterm birth (19% increase), and NICU admissions (23% increase) compared to those without food insecurity.
However, among the 7.6% of participants who received food assistance during pregnancy, most of these associations were no longer significant, except for preeclampsia, which remained elevated (64% higher risk). In contrast, those who did not receive food assistance continued to show increased risks for nearly all complications, with NICU admissions rising by 31% and preterm births by 23%.
The study’s findings emphasise the importance of addressing food insecurity as part of maternal healthcare. The researchers advocate for routine screening for food insecurity during pregnancy and expanding food assistance programs to mitigate these risks and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Chehab RF et al. Food Insecurity in Pregnancy, Receipt of Food Assistance, and Perinatal Complications. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(1):e2455955.
