“Pregnancy nutrition and health experiences in Hamilton, Ontario: Insights from the Mothers to Babies Study”.

Environmental factors –including sociodemographic, political-economic, and cultural ones– during pregnancy affect child growth, development, and health across the entire lifespan. As such, understanding which of these factors have the largest effects and in which ways in any given populational context is central to promoting health and wellbeing for that population’s next generation. The Mothers to Babies (M2B) Study aimed to identify key determinants of health during pregnancy in contemporary Hamilton, Ontario.

To do this, between June 2017 and Sept 2018, we collected and analyzed quantitative survey data and qualitative focus group and stakeholder meeting data from pregnant people living in Hamilton and their care providers. These data show that food and housing insecurity resulting from poverty and from multiple structural and political gaps and inefficiencies were and likely continue to be among the most important determinants of poor pregnancy health and nutrition in Hamilton.

We recommend investing in economic and social supports for Hamilton families, to ensure food security and improved overall health during pregnancy. Ultimately, these investments can improve the long-term health of and to reduce health inequities not only for pregnant people but also for the subsequent generations.

Pre-registration is required for this event. Please register here: https://mcmaster.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYkf-qppjkrHtHSZzkyD0681hTf2ytXvOXz