Women who are pregnant and face challenges in accessing affordable, nutritious, and healthy food are at a greater risk of encountering both physical and mental health issues.
Researchers at Newcastle University have found that women classified as “food insecure” face up to four times the likelihood of experiencing mental health problems—like stress, anxiety, and depression—compared to those who do not struggle with food access.
These expectant mothers are also more prone to obesity, pregnancy-related diabetes, and oral health issues, according to two studies published in PLOS Medicine and Obesity Reviews.
In recent years, the issue of food insecurity has more than doubled in the UK, with estimates indicating that over one in four households with infants and young children under the age of four are affected.
‘Shocking results’
Nicola Heslehurst, a Professor of Maternal and Child Nutrition at Newcastle University, stated, “It’s well-known that a nutritious and well-balanced diet during pregnancy is crucial for both the mother’s health and the developing baby’s wellbeing.”
“However, when pregnant women face food insecurity, it deteriorates the quality of their diets, as they cannot afford the increasingly costly fruits and vegetables and are left with cheaper, lower nutritional options.”
“While we anticipated identifying some health risks during pregnancy, the degree of the risks we discovered, especially concerning mental health, obesity, and the risk of pregnancy diabetes, was quite alarming.”
“These factors also entail long-term consequences, making it more likely that mothers and their children will develop type 2 diabetes in the future.”
“Our findings reveal the disparities in pregnancy-related risks for both mothers and their babies when there is a lack of access to affordable, nutritious food, highlighting the necessity for greater support to tackle the repercussions of food insecurity.”
Prior to the COVID pandemic, less than one in ten households in the UK dealt with food insecurity; this number has since risen to an estimated one-quarter of households with young children and nearly half for families with three or more children.
When families face food insecurity, they may go hungry, skip meals, or even refrain from eating for entire days. Financial challenges can also affect their ability to pay for basics like bills, rent, and heating, straining the household budget available for food.
Researchers studied data from high-income nations since the global financial crisis of 2008 to investigate connections between food insecurity and health during pregnancy for both mothers and infants.
In these studies, which also included collaboration from Teesside University and King’s College London, experts analyzed data to identify patterns and assess where risks may increase and support is needed.
‘Government help needed’
Professor Heslehurst emphasized, “Temporary emergency solutions to tackle food insecurity, like relying on food banks, do not address the root social and economic issues.”
“We require significantly more financial backing from the Government to ensure that expectant mothers and their babies are shielded from food insecurity throughout pregnancy.”
Further research is essential, as data on food insecurity and its effects on pregnancy health from the UK is limited, with most available studies originating from the USA.
Professor Heslehurst added, “By examining more UK-specific data, where there is an increasing lack of support amid rising food insecurity rates, we might uncover that the risks are worse than we currently understand and that the need for assistance is even more pressing.”
Researchers from Newcastle University participating in these investigations include Dr. Gina Nguyen, Dr. Stephanie Scott, and Letitia Sermin-Reed. This research is part of a Fuse project, The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health.
