Abstract
Preconception care and lifestyle behaviours significantly influence health outcomes of women and future generations. A cross-sectional survey of Australian women in preconception, stratified by pregnancy planning stage (active planners (currently trying to conceive) vs. non-active planners (pregnancy planned within 1–5 years)), assessed health behaviours and their alignment to preconception care guidelines. Overall, 294 women with a mean (SD) age of 30.7 (4.3) years were recruited and 38.9% were overweight or obese. Approximately half of women (54.4%) reported weight gain within the previous 12 months, of which 69.5% gained ≥ 3kg. The vast majority of women (90.2%) were unaware of reproductive life plans, and 16.8% over the age of 25 had not undertaken cervical screening. Of active planners (n = 121), 47.1% had sought medical/health advice in preparation for pregnancy and 81.0% had commenced supplementation with folic acid, iodine or a preconception multivitamin. High-risk lifestyle behaviours including cigarette smoking (7.3%), consumption of alcohol (85.3%) and excessive alcohol consumption within three months (56.3%), were frequently reported in women who were actively trying to conceive. Results indicate that women who are actively planning a pregnancy require support to optimise health and lifestyle in preparation for pregnancy to improve alignment with current preconception care recommendations.
Highlights
The health status and behaviours of prospective parents before conception, known as the preconception period, is important for the health of women and future generations [1,2]
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Guidelines for Preventative Activities in General Practice [8] recommend a range of preconception care (PCC) strategies, consistent with several other international PCC guidelines [9,10]
Women who were actively planning for pregnancy were more likely to be married/de facto (97.8% vs. 90.7%, p = 0.04) compared with non-active planners, with no further significant differences in demographic characteristics found between the two groups (Table 1)
Summary
The health status and behaviours of prospective parents before conception, known as the preconception period, is important for the health of women and future generations [1,2]. There are many modifiable health behaviours that can negatively impact outcomes during pregnancy that are difficult to change in the short term [5], and, addressing these warrants early intervention, during preconception These include a balanced diet and regular moderate-intensity exercise consistent with recommendations [6,7], weight management, cessation of cigarette smoking, alcohol and recreational drug use, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). All of these may optimise fertility, thereby increasing the likelihood of natural conception [2,5]. This, in turn, can inform and refine PCC recommendations, focus policy and enable targeted PCC strategies where required
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