Food Accessibility and Nutritional Outcomes Among Food-Insecure Pregnant Women in Singapore
2025
Ethel Jie Kai Lim | Chengsi Ong | Nurul Syafiqah Said Abdul Rashid | Jeannette Jen-Mai Lee | Judith Chew | Mei Chien Chua
Background/Objectives: Food insecurity during pregnancy is associated with higher risks of negative physical outcomes for both mother and child. This study aims to understand experiences of food insecurity among low-income Singaporean pregnant women and its impact on nutritional status. Methods: In this cross-sectional, mixed-methods study, 49 food-insecure pregnant women were recruited from KK Women&rsquo:s and Children&rsquo:s Hospital between November 2021 and November 2023, among which 11 in-depth interviews were conducted. Questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, 24-Hour dietary recalls, metabolic and nutritional blood tests were conducted for all subjects. Descriptive quantitative analysis was performed and integrated with qualitative thematic analysis to explain findings. Results: On average, women were overweight pre-pregnancy (body mass index 26.1 ±: 6.9 kg/m2) and had low haemoglobin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Calorie intake and intake from major food groups did not meet recommendations during pregnancy, except for &ldquo:Grains&rdquo:. From interviews, effects of financial constraints, how participants managed their food supply and pregnancy-related symptoms, supported findings from 24-Hour dietary recalls. Conclusions: Food insecurity led to suboptimal nutritional status and diets in Singaporean pregnant women despite appearing well-nourished. Further exploration of perspectives of food-insecure mothers, healthcare providers and welfare organisations is needed to devise long-term solutions to improve food security and alleviate malnutrition.
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