According to the article, prenatal factors play a big role in determining obstetrical complications, pediatric chronic diseases, and possibly genetic mutations. Moreover, the way that the mother lives and how her dynamics with her environment are, play a factor in the possible acquisition of certain physical and mental health conditions. Moreover, a range of genetic health problems such as autism, allergic disease, pediatric cancer, and learning disability, could be prevented when there is effective preconception and prenatal care. Though the gestational period is important in the development and health of the child, the mother’s lifestyle preconception is just as important. The mother’s nutritional status prior to conception must already be sufficient or adequate to sustain a healthy pregnancy.
During pregnancy, environmental factors play a huge role with the way a fetus develops inside the mother’s womb. When it comes to nutrition, the mother should be taking sufficient vitamins and minerals that could support the baby. It should be kept in mind that a healthy well-being does not only concern the nutritional intake of the mother, but also having a healthy biome or a healthy environment for the baby. For instance, the mother could be diagnosed with vaginal Group B Streptococcus towards the end of her pregnancy, in which she will be prescribed antibiotics. This leads to alterations in her flora and the neonate’s microbiome, which may potentially result in the child being more susceptible to bacterial infections in the first three months of life.
Although a lot of actions to be taken before and during pregnancy are shouldered by the mother, it is also important to note that preconception care is not the responsibility of the mother alone, but also her partner. This includes proper family planning and ensuring that conceiving is intended. With this, both parties are prepared and willing to sustain the baby to the best of their abilities.