Barriers to Prenatal Care among Food-Insufficient Women: Findings from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System

Background: This study examines the relationship among food insufficiency, adequacy of prenatal care, and barriers to prenatal care. Materials and Methods: Using data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), 2009-2016, negative binomial and logistic regression models were used to assess the association among food insufficiency during pregnancy, late onset of prenatal care, the number of prental care visits, as well as barriers to prenatal care. Results: Findings indicate that food insufficiency is associated with not initiating prenatal care during the first trimester and having fewer overall visits. In addition, food insufficiency is associated with more overall barriers to prenatal care, and this association operates through several specific barriers, including not having enough money, lacking transportation to get to the clinic or doctor's office, not being able to get time off work, not having a Medicaid card, having too many other things going on, and having no one to take care of children. Conclusion: Considering the adverse consequences of both food insufficiency and a lack of sufficient prenatal care for maternal and child health, study findings suggest a need to develop targeted interventions that expand access and remove barriers to prenatal care among food-insufficient women.