Maternal food insecurity in low-income countries: Revisiting its causes and consequences for maternal and neonatal health

Abstract Food insecurity is a multifaceted phenomenon, which affects an individual's life right from the embryonic stage. Being a crucial factor, it substantially impacts the pregnancy phases, including aggravating stressful pregnancy events, by compromising the adequate quantity and quality of food. Focusing on low-income countries, this review aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal food insecurity on pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcomes, emphasizing the socio-cultural and economic determinants associated with maternal food insecurity. Since food insecurity significantly affects pregnant women while causing maternal mental disorders and adverse feto-maternal outcomes, especially in low-income countries, it needs a comprehensive approach to address socio-cultural, economic and political confounders at local, national and global levels.