Pregnant women's knowledge about "developmental programming" and the importance of the 1000 days for the long-term health of the baby

Abstract

"Developmental Programming" (DP) refers to the long-term health effect determined by environmental exposures during the child's first 1000 days. This study aimed to determine pregnant women's knowledge about DP and compare the degree of knowledge with clinical and sociodemographic variables. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted through a questionnaire for pregnant women. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS 26.0 program, with a significance level of 5%. The questionnaire addressed the concept of DP, risk factors during pregnancy and postpartum, and habits during the first two years of the baby's life. Seventy-eight pregnant women participated in the research. Most pregnant women were unaware of 1.000 days (94.9%) and DP (89.7%). Four items that may have an unfavorable influence on the DP and that obtained ≤50% of correct answers were: "cesarean-section," breastfeeding< six months," "cow's milk<1 year," and quick "catch-up" of low birthweight babies. Pregnant women with higher education scored better on the concept of DP. Pregnant women with income > 2 minimum wages scored better on the idea of 1.000 days and the harmful influence of "Stress," "Goodies," and "non-breastfeeding." Regarding the gestational trimester, women in the first trimester had less knowledge about many items. The multiparous women scored better on the themes "catch-up," "cesarean section," and "non-breastfeeding." We conclude that DP is still little known by pregnant women in general. However, pregnant women with more advanced pregnancies, multiparous women, and those with higher education and higher income scored better in some items.We emphasize the need to improve pregnant women's knowledge of the factors that interfere with DP, focusing on how healthy habits can impact the health of their future child until adulthood. The approach to this issue should occur in prenatal consultations with the obstetrician and at least one consultation with a pediatrician during the prenatal.