Women Not Heeding Advice on PrePregnancy Health

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

27 May 2009 08:02 PM

Women's health experts recommend preparing for pregnancy before you start trying to conceive. The theory is that if all women of child bearing age took certain health and lifestyle precautions, it could increase the outcome of pregnancies. In fact, many pregnancies are not planned and certain habits can contribute to problems for both mom and baby.

Although experts in many countries have been making these recommendations for many years, it now appears women may not be getting the message. Research conducted in the UK shows that women aren't hearing the warnings or making changes prior to becoming pregnant.

The research at the University of Southampton showed that women were not much more likely to heed health advice in the three months prior to pregnancy than women who did not get pregnant. Specifically, researchers looked at folic acid intake and smoking and drinking habits.

What they found was that of the study's participants, less than three percent were following the guidelines for folic acid intake and were limiting alcohol consumption and not smoking at all. The remaining participants were ignoring one or more of the recommendations.

It's obvious that smoking and drinking more than four drinks a day are not good if you are planning to conceive or conceive accidentally. Folic acid is important because it is linked to a lower incidence of neural tube defects in babies. This isn't a difficult recommendation to follow. Folic acid is in citrus fruits and is now added to foods like breads, cereals and frozen waffles.

Taking the time to think about the possibility of pregnancy and prepare for it is important for improving the chances of a healthy baby. If you are planning to conceive in the next few months, schedule a check up with the doctor for a physical and to discuss lifestyle and health habits that can improve your chances of having a healthy baby.

Related Articles:

Preconception Counseling

The Importance of Folic Acid

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger