Pregnant and hungry: addressing food insecurity in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States

Abstract

Food insecurity is a major social determinant of health affecting more than 10% of Americans. Social determinants of health are increasingly recognized as a driving force of health inequities. It is well established that food insecurity leads to adverse health outcomes outside of pregnancy, such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and mental health problems. However, limited data exist about the impact of food insecurity during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Food insecurity and other social determinants of health are rarely addressed as part of routine obstetrical care. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the crisis of food insecurity across the country, disproportionally affecting women and racial and ethnic minorities. Women's health providers should implement universal screening for maternal food insecurity and offer resources to women struggling to feed themselves and their families. Reducing maternal health inequities in the United States involves recognizing and addressing food insecurity, along with other social determinants of health, and advocating for public policies that support and protect all women's right to healthy food during pregnancy.