Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prenatal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participation: analysis of Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System 2017–2022 data

Key Points

• Participation in the WIC program dropped notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting prenatal nutrition.
• Between 2017 and 2022, data showed a significant decline in women utilizing the WIC program during pregnancy.
• Data analysis on the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System highlights trends across multiple years and cohorts.
• This analysis underscores the need for improved prenatal support, especially during health crises like the pandemic.