Pregnancy may be a very exciting phase in a woman’s life. However, it is also one of the most intricate processes that a woman’s body undergoes. Many potentially modifiable risk factors that can affect future pregnancy outcomes may occur prior to pregnancy. Thus, preconception care is very much substantial in order to prevent matters that can negatively impact maternal and infant health.
As mentioned in the article, various environmental, lifestyle, and prenatal factors are one of the major contributors to illnesses, diseases, genetic mutations, and other unwanted health conditions and consequences. For instance, a woman’s nutritional choices, social and behavioral habits, as well as the presence of certain underlying health complications prior to pregnancy can greatly affect the baby.
When it comes to nutrition, it is essential for a woman of reproductive age to consume a balanced/healthy diet along with the necessary vitamins and minerals like folic acid. It is also important that a woman is well-aware of the pregnancy risks that may come along with her age, genetics, obstetric and family history. Lifestyle and behavioral issues like alcohol consumption, drug use, and tobacco use must also be assessed and modified as these may pose serious effects on the child during pregnancy. Maintaining a healthy weight and getting up-to-date on vaccines is also another form of preconception care. Moreover, a woman with chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes must be counseled with lifestyle changes and prescribed with medications that are safe for pregnancy.
In conclusion, taking these necessary steps can lead to improved birth outcomes and can reduce the number of fetal and maternal mortality and morbidity. Taking actions on health issues and risks prior to pregnancy can prevent future problems that may occur to you and your baby. Furthermore, whether you’re planning to have a baby or not, it’s never too early to engage in preconception health.
REFERENCE:
Genuis, S. J., & Genuis, R. A. (2016). Preconception Care: A New Standard of Care within Maternal Health Services. BioMed Research International, 2016, 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/6150976