FEAST Perinatal Support for Healthy Eating in Pregnancy

The trial aims to test a new program designed to help pregnant Latino individuals eat healthier during and after pregnancy. The FEAST Perinatal Support Program offers education on nutrition, skill-building, and social support, along with grocery gift cards to facilitate access to fresh food. Researchers seek to determine if this approach can enhance dietary habits and overall health. This trial suits those who are currently pregnant, speak and read English, and qualify for food assistance programs like EBT or WIC. As an unphased trial, participants can contribute to innovative research that may lead to healthier pregnancies and improved nutrition for many.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

Research has shown that eating a healthy diet during pregnancy can greatly reduce the risk of preterm birth. One study with over 39,000 participants found that mothers who ate well were 56% less likely to have a preterm birth. Additionally, babies of mothers who followed dietary guidelines grew healthier up to age two.

Researchers are excited about the FEAST Perinatal Support Program because it focuses on behavioral intervention to promote healthy eating during pregnancy. Unlike traditional prenatal care, which often emphasizes medical monitoring and nutritional supplements, this program provides personalized support and education to help expectant mothers make healthier food choices. By directly engaging with pregnant individuals and addressing their unique dietary needs, this program aims to foster long-term healthy habits that benefit both the mother and the developing baby.

Research has shown that nutrition counseling can improve diet quality during pregnancy. It often helps pregnant women meet health guidelines for calories, protein, and fat, leading to healthier weight gain. Additionally, studies have found that programs offering food support, such as grocery gift cards, enhance nutrition for mothers in need. When mothers adhere to health guidelines, their babies tend to grow healthier. These findings suggest that the FEAST Perinatal Support Program, which participants in this trial will receive, might effectively encourage better eating habits and health outcomes for pregnant individuals.²⁶⁷⁸⁹