How can poverty impact pregnancy and a baby’s health?
• Many of the working poor are people who have no health insurance but make too much money to qualify for Medicaid. Women in this category may be less likely to get routine health care, regular check ups, or prenatal care once they get pregnant. • Nutrition is critically important during pregnancy and early in a child’s life. Fresh fruits and vegetables are needed for a healthy pregnancy, yet they are some of the most expensive items in the grocery store. • Grocery stores are often hard to find in low-income neighborhoods and, even when they are located close to where low-income people live, their food is often more expensive. • Financial hardships during pregnancy create a constant stress endured by the mother. • Studies suggest that very high levels of stress may increase the risk of preterm labor and low birthweight. Pregnant women with high levels of stress have been found to have higher levels of the hormone that might help trigger labor. • Women under stress may also try to reduc
