Number of pregnant women at risk of poverty increases

A study into the nutritional intake of pregnant women has found the number at risk of consistent poverty has doubled or even trebled in recent years.

The study, published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science, found that in a sample of 402 pregnant women, 7.7% were at risk of consistent poverty, and 34.6% were at risk of relative income poverty.

The study also showed that 57.2% had consumed alcohol during their pregnancy, and 12.7% smoked.