On the bbc gcse bitesize website in section about American west it says grasshopper plagues sent pregnant women insane but why would this happen?

The passage does not mention grasshopper plagues causing pregnant women to become insane.

However, the passage does state that:

"Grasshoppers could eat through most crops and plants, so food sometimes ran short. This could cause widespread famine and starvation".

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of famine and starvation, as they need extra nutrients to support the growth and development of their unborn child. Severe famine and starvation can lead to a range of health problems for pregnant women, including:

* Nutritional deficiencies: This can occur when a pregnant woman's diet lacks essential nutrients, such as protein, iron, and folic acid. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to a range of health problems for both the pregnant woman and her unborn child, including anemia, low birth weight, and premature birth.

* Gestational diabetes: This is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can cause a range of health problems for both the pregnant woman and her unborn child, including high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and fetal macrosomia (a condition in which the unborn baby is too large).

* Preeclampsia: This is a serious condition that can develop during pregnancy. Preeclampsia can cause a range of health problems for both the pregnant woman and her unborn child, including high blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine. In severe cases, preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia, which is a life-threatening condition.