Why do rural pregnant women face dietary challenges?

Rural pregnant women often have limited access to healthy whole foods, with stores closer to home typically selling processed options, and healthy choices being more expensive or requiring long travel distances.

How does socioeconomic status affect pregnant women's diets?

Socioeconomic status is a strong predictor of diet quality, with low-income pregnant women consuming more added sugars and less fiber and calcium compared to those with higher socioeconomic status, regardless of geographic location.

What are the health consequences of poor diets during pregnancy for rural women?

Less healthy dietary habits in rural pregnant women are linked to an increased risk of pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders.

Home / Health / Rural Moms' Diet Woes: Health Risks Rise

Rural Moms' Diet Woes: Health Risks Rise

18 Feb

•

Summary

Rural pregnant women consume more sugar and less fiber.
Diet quality linked more to income than geography.
Access to healthy foods is limited in rural areas.

New federal dietary guidelines advise Americans to 'eat real food,' but this advice is difficult for many pregnant women in rural communities. A study involving 500 pregnant women in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Iowa revealed that those living in rural areas consumed more added sugars from beverages and less fiber and vegetables than urban residents.

These less healthy dietary patterns are concerning, as pregnant women have increased nutritional needs. Rural women often travel long distances for fresh produce, with closer stores stocking mostly processed, less nutritious options. Even when healthier choices are available, they are typically more expensive.

While rural geography presents obstacles, the study found socioeconomic status to be a stronger predictor of diet quality. Low-income participants consumed more added sugars and less fiber and calcium, regardless of their urban or rural location.

Addressing these nutrition gaps is crucial to prevent cycles of poor health across generations. Subsidies for fresh produce or enhanced nutritional assistance programs could support low-income and rural pregnant women in meeting their dietary needs.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.