As discussed by Genuis & Genuis (2016), there are two major etiological determinants of a slew of obstetrical complications, pediatric chronic diseases, and some genetic mutations. These determinants are (1) deficiency of various nutrients and (2) exposure to assorted toxicants. Gestational nutritional deficiencies along with insufficiency of optimal biome development in the neonate are factors contributing to prevalent maternal and/or pediatric compromise. The most common example of which is folate deficiency which significantly elevates the risks for open neural tube defects, miscarriage, and Down’s syndrome due to the insufficient levels of folic acid in the blood that is vital in making red blood cells. Toxicant contamination also greatly contributes to difficulties in pregnancy and health problems of the mother-child pair. Evidence of the dangers of toxic chemical exposure during pregnancy includes a variety of health problems from widespread morbidity and mortality caused by indoor air pollution to autism, mental illness, and cancer. In fact, to address this, the International Federation for Obstetrics and Gynecology released a statement at their 2015 Vancouver convention where the FIGO emphasized that “exposure to toxic environmental chemicals during pregnancy and breastfeeding is ubiquitous and is a threat to healthy human reproduction”.
These determinants can cause the damage they do because the developing fetus in utero presents a particular susceptibility to harmful agents during gestation and to toxic chemical exposure from assorted sources. Unique physiological characteristics exhibited in the utero phase of the life cycle, including an immature blood-brain barrier that is more permeable to adverse chemical agents and a placental unit that is unable to filter a contemporary array of chemical toxicants, account for this exquisite fetal vulnerability predisposing the developing fetus to significant harm once exposure is introduced.
Preconception care is necessary to prevent, manage and prepare care for possible health problems that may develop due to gestational nutritional deficiency and toxicant contamination. Proper diet, intake of sufficient micro and macronutrients, little to no exposure to toxic substances and environmental hazards, rest, regular exercise, adherence to precautionary measures, and development of other healthy habits are must-dos to achieve pregnancy and attain positive pregnancy outcomes.
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