Asian Journal of Food Research and Nutrition

The health and well-being of pregnant women are greatly impacted by food insecurity and undernutrition, which can have serious negative effects on both the mother and the fetus. The purpose of this review is to investigate how pregnant women are affected by food insecurity, undernutrition, and related conditions. The review summarizes previous research and highlights important conclusions from investigations carried out in various contexts. Pregnant women worldwide are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, which is defined as having inadequate access to enough safe, nourishing food. Undernutrition in mothers raises the risk of unfavorable outcomes like low birth weight, premature birth, and difficulties for the mother. It is caused by inadequate food consumption, inadequate nutrient intake, and poor diet quality. Moreover, food insecurity exacerbates the difficulties pregnant women confront because it frequently coexists with socioeconomic inequality, restricted access to healthcare, and weak social support networks. Food insecurity and undernutrition during pregnancy can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as cultural practices, poverty, unemployment, and a lack of knowledge. A comprehensive strategy is needed for interventions targeted at resolving these concerns, including social protection programs, efforts to generate income, nutrition education, and healthcare services. Undernutrition and food poverty have a serious negative influence on pregnant women's health, both for the mother and the fetus. It is imperative to tackle the intricate interaction of factors that lead to food insecurity and undernutrition in order to enhance the health and overall wellbeing of expectant mothers and their offspring.