A new study from the NIH’s Environmental Effects on Children’s Health (ECHO) Program shows that living in areas where residents have low incomes and limited access to food during pregnancy has a lower risk for gestational age. It was found to be associated with an increased risk of babies being born small or with low birth weight. .

Previous research has shown that a mother’s diet during pregnancy can affect her physical and mental health. However, less is known about how food insecurity affects newborn health. In a new research paper, ECHO researchers use data to understand what connections exist between where pregnant people live, access to food, and birth outcomes. analyzed.

This ECHO analysis recently American Journal of Clinical Nutritionindicates a possible connection.

Given the long-term effects of adverse birth outcomes on subsequent cardiovascular disease risk and other conditions, interventions and policies that improve food access during pregnancy will improve birth outcomes and promote child health. Further research is needed to assess whether it is effective in ”

Dr. Izzuddin M. Aris, Harvard University Pilgrim Healthcare Institute

Using national data from more than 22,000 ECHO cohort participants, the ECHO research team found that during pregnancy, 24% of those participants traveled to a grocery store (or grocery store (or more than 10 miles in rural areas)). They also found that about 14% of participants lived in high-poverty areas, with more than 100 households without access to a car and living more than half a mile from the nearest grocery store. .

Living in areas with low income and less access to food, as well as areas with low income and less access to cars, is associated with lower birth weight, higher odds of babies being born small for gestational age, It was associated with a lower probability of babies being born large for gestational age. However, researchers found no association between individual food insecurity and birth outcomes.

To conduct this study, researchers provided pregnant individuals’ home addresses as well as data on household income, household vehicle availability, and where people can obtain food in different regions. Matched with information on neighborhood food availability from the U.S. Food Access Survey Atlas.

“In future studies, we hope to examine health habits and chemical exposures to understand what else may influence birth outcomes,” Dr. Allis said.

Dr. Aris led a national team of ECHO cohort researchers who collaborated on data analysis and writing of this research paper.