DISCUSSION FORUM 1
Read the article ‘Preconception Care: A New Standard of Care within Maternal Health Services’ https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2016/6150976/ (Lin
Discuss how preconception care contributes to a healthy pregnancy and positive pregnancy outcomes. Post answers as replies in the discussion forum.
Over years, humanity has witnessed innovations and advancements in the field of maternal-fetal care. These developments have caused a significant decrease in maternal, neonatal, and infant mortality rates, especially in developed countries. However, even with the massive improvements in this field of medicine, the last few decades revealed a significant increase in the incidence of preterm birth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021) defined preterm birth as a condition when a baby is born too early without completing the 37 weeks of pregnancy. Aside from increasing rates of preterm births, pediatric chronic illness and other disorders are continuously emerging and rising.
In line with this, scientists and philosophers have investigated the phenomenon behind the etiology of different diseases. Through in-depth studies, it is becoming abundantly apparent that virtually all disease, including affliction in the gestational period, is the result of the interaction between human genetics and the environment. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that 70-90% of illnesses are largely caused by different modifiable environmental factors. These environmental factors cover the possibilities of deficiency and toxicity that pose risks to our health outcomes. In gestation, nutritional deficiency and toxicity detrimentally affect the growth and development of the baby inside the mother’s womb. In contrast to the belief that chromosomal abnormalities are simply caused by random arbitrary genetic mutations, evidence suggests that environmental factors are largely related to some chromosomal abnormalities. For instance, nutrient deficiency is attributed to higher rates of disorders such as Down’s syndrome.
Moreover, there are physiological factors within the female utero that affect the vulnerability of the developing child in the womb (Genuis and Genuis, 2016): (1) The inability of the placental unit to filter the contemporary array of chemical toxicants. (2) The inability of the fetal liver to detoxify contaminants due to immaturity and incapability. (3)High unbound fractions of bioactive toxicants due to Low levels of fetal binding proteins. (4) Urinary pollutants are recycled with repeated uptake through the amniotic fluid due to undeveloped excretion pathways. (5) The blood-brain barrier is more permeable to adverse chemical agents due to immaturity. (6) Higher toxicant concentrations then marinate the rapidly developing fetal organs. Hence, there are absolute must-dos in the different critical stages of development in order to ensure the proper formation, differentiation, and development of fetal tissues. Therefore, for optimal health during the gestational period, both for the mother and the child, clean air, sufficient fluids, adequate nutrients, enough rest, sunlight, exercise, healthy microbiota, and so on are needed.
In this regard, preconception care is vital in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and positive pregnancy outcomes. All women of reproductive age should be educated with the gestational requirements, individualized personal care, as well as exposure and avoidance measures to make a substantial difference in their pregnancy outcomes. It is of particular importance for several reasons (Genuis and Genuis, 2016):
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The first trimester represents the most crucial time of exposure avoidance and adequate nutrition, however, most women do not begin to receive prenatal care at this point of pregnancy. With preconception care, women of reproductive age can be educated and prepared for the most crucial part of pregnancy. This will facilitate a good beginning for the fetus in the womb.
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Prior to pregnancy, it is a good time to suggest making lifestyle changes as most women feel fatigued or less than optimal during the first trimester. This can significantly increase their ability to plan and prepare for the pregnancy.
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The performance of appropriate interventions prior to conception can optimize pregnancy outcomes. This is because certain interventions such as specific immunizations, and detoxification are not advisable during pregnancy.
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It is best to address certain medical conditions and pharmaceutical use ahead of conception such as diabetes control, and antidepressant medication. This may require a long time to effectively address that’s why early access to preconception care is important.
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Undoubtedly, the economic, emotional, and social costs of preventable gestational complications can be prevented from the utilization of preconception care procedures or interventions, and through education of the requirements and what to avoid for a healthy pregnancy and infant.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, November 1). Preterm birth. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pretermbirth.htm#:~:text=Preterm%20birth%20is%20when%20a,2019%20to%2010.1%25%20in%202020
Genuis, S. J., & Genuis, R. A. (2016, May 29). Preconception care: A new standard of care within maternal health services. BioMed Research International. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2016/6150976/