Fetal development is a very intricate process. This is the formation, differentiation, and development of fetal tissues. It is especially vulnerable during the first 12 gestational weeks because all of the major organs and body systems are forming. This is why there is an absolute requirement at critical stages of development for essential nutrients in order to secure it. Mothers need nutrients such as Vitamin D, Magnesium, Docosahexaenoic Acid, and a healthy biome in order to provide the optimal environment for their child. However, according to CDC (2006), there has been an increasing number of pre-term pregnancies and low-birth-weight infants. This has been due to nutritional deficiencies and insufficiency of optimal biome development in neonates.
Modifiable factors have contributed to the widespread of maternal and birth deficiencies such as problematic behaviors and environmental risks. Prevalence of diabetes affecting reproductive-aged women; teratogenic factors such as susceptibility to harmful agents (drugs, alcohol, etc.) during gestation, a mental problem that may cause stress and lead to post-partum depression are among some of the causes. Studies have shown that the socioeconomic status of the pregnant mother has greatly affected influenced perinatal morbidity and mortality (Stylianou-Riga et. al, 2018) for it influences the exposure to teratogenic substances, stress, and food choices as well. A common misconception among genetic abnormalities is that these are simply chromosomal mutations with no direct cause or solution. Simply an unlucky mix. However, it has been proven that deficiencies of certain nutrients are associated with higher rates of chromosomal abnormalities.
These factors explain how adverse agents that can be tolerated by the mother may damage the rapidly growing tissues of her child. Studies have shown that some babies have mild or even chronic diseases throughout the years originating from a lack of preconception care. Some diseases include neurodevelopmental disorders, learning disabilities, impaired IQ in children, the swelling pandemic of pediatric allergy, autism, chromosomal abnormalities, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, various metabolic disorders, and some cases of compromised bone health.
To simply put, pre-conception care is vital, not only in planning mothers but for women in general. It is taking care of oneself and generally being healthy after all. Women have to avoid chemical and contaminant exposure, be conscious of food choices and have a healthy diet, have enough activity and exercise, take appropriate nutritional and mineral supplements (with caution) and go for a regular check-up with a licensed physician. With that said, all of these can be preventable with education on preconception care and healthy pregnancy habits. Parents with adherence to proper health habits are more likely to give birth to a baby without birth defects or other disabling conditions. People, especially families, should be understanding the risks of the food they take, the activities they do, and the mindset that they have. Certain aspects have long-term effects that exceed the personal life that they have. This should not only be a small-scale movement among families but also to the community as well. Adequate pre-conception education in the public health setting should be provided by the government especially in areas with prevalent low-income households. This should also be emphasized in rural areas with prevalent cultural beliefs that can further inflict damage on the baby. In the long term, simple education and debunking of pregnancy myths can possibly decrease the rate of maternal and perinatal mortality rate. As the saying goes, the first step in healthy pregnancy starts with a healthy mommy.
References:
- 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
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2006). Recommendations to improve preconception health and health care—United States. MMWR Recommendations and Reports.
- Stylianou-Riga, P., Kouis, P., Kinni, P., Rigas, A., Papadouri, T., Yiallouros, P. K., & Theodorou, M. (2018). Maternal socioeconomic factors and the risk of premature birth and low birth weight in Cyprus: a case–control study. In Reproductive Health (Vol. 15, Issue 1). Springer Science and Business Media LLC. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-018-0603-7