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January 23, 2025 – A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that food assistance programs play a vital role in preventing pregnancy complications among food-insecure women. The research highlights the positive impact of state or federal welfare programs and local food banks in reducing the risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and newborn admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Food insecurity, a condition where individuals struggle to obtain enough food and face uncertainty about their next meal, has long been linked to negative health outcomes, particularly during pregnancy. This study, led by Yeyi Zhu, a research scientist with Kaiser Permanente Northern California, found that women who received food assistance during their pregnancy experienced significantly fewer complications compared to those who did not.
The study analyzed survey responses from over 19,000 pregnant women receiving care within the Kaiser Permanente Northern California health care system, all of whom delivered between January and June 2020. The findings revealed that approximately 14% of these women reported food insecurity during pregnancy, with more than half of them receiving food assistance.
Among those who did not receive assistance, the study found a notable increase in the likelihood of pregnancy-related complications: 20% higher odds of gestational diabetes, 24% higher odds of preeclampsia, 23% higher odds of preterm birth, and 31% higher odds of their newborn requiring NICU care. However, food assistance appeared to nullify nearly all these risks, with the exception of preeclampsia, which remained a concern for women who received assistance.
The research underscores that food insecurity can force pregnant women into unhealthy eating habits, often relying on low-quality and inexpensive food. Additionally, the stress and anxiety associated with food insecurity may exacerbate mental health challenges during pregnancy.
“Pregnancy is a critical time when food insecurity can have magnified detrimental effects on both the individual and their developing fetus,” said the researchers in their findings. “These results support the clinical guidelines to screen for food insecurity in pregnant individuals and advocate for expanding food assistance programs to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.”
The study’s findings also align with national statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which reported in 2023 that over 18 million families in the U.S. were food insecure, with more than 8% of households experiencing low food security.
These findings add further weight to the call for accessible food assistance programs for pregnant women, emphasizing their role in safeguarding maternal and infant health.
For more information on food insecurity, visit Feeding America.
Disclaimer: This study does not suggest that food assistance programs can guarantee the prevention of all pregnancy complications. The results are based on observational data, and additional research may be needed to confirm these findings across diverse populations and settings.
