Lifestyles and preconception health in women

Lifestyles, which develop as early as adolescence, can affect female fertility, preconception health, and pregnancy. In addition to genetic factors and chronic diseases, weight control, physical activity, a balanced diet, folic acid intake, mental and social health, as well as behaviors related to substance use (smoking, alcohol and drugs) have a significant impact on reproductive health. Although there are numerous studies that highlight the importance of these aspects, many women continue to engage in inappropriate behavior, not only before pregnancy, but also during its course. In particular, it has been observed that risky behaviors are often associated with poverty, lack of education and adequate information. Women who are most vulnerable to unwanted pregnancies are also those who exhibit risky behaviors more frequently, i.e., teenage girls.

In this regard, the article "Knowledge, attitudes, and health status of childbearing age young women regarding preconception health - an Italian survey" and the study "A comprehensive assessment of preconception health needs and interventions regarding women of childbearing age: a systematic review", conducted by the Center for Research and Studies on Procreative Health, offer important food for thought. The first study analyzed a sample of 340 young women, aged between 18 and 25, to assess their "modus vivendi" and their knowledge about preconception health. The results showed that these women had relatively good knowledge about some important aspects of pregnancy, such as folic acid intake, the benefits of exercise, the negative effects of alcohol during pregnancy, ways to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, and the importance of keeping weight under control before a possible pregnancy. However, a number of gaps have emerged on other crucial issues, such as diseases that can be contracted through raw food intake, the correct timing of vitamin supplements, the safety of using herbal supplements during pregnancy, and the impact of endocrine disruptors on fertility and reproduction. In addition, many of the women interviewed had never consulted a gynecologist, and only a small fraction of them had discussed preconception health with a health professional. The data collected also revealed that 28% of the women surveyed smoked, 39% consumed alcohol and 18% used drugs. Finally, only 50% of the study population performed physical activity at least once a week. These findings clearly suggest that preconceptional health is influenced by women's daily choices and their degree of awareness about their health. The adoption of healthy behaviors is strongly linked to educational interventions, which prove to be fundamental in trying to improve the overall health status of women and in increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy. This underscores the importance of targeted health education, especially for women of childbearing age, to help them understand the importance of preconception health and make informed decisions.

It is, therefore, essential to ensure women's access to appropriate health services, which can provide them with the necessary support to start a pregnancy in the best possible state of health. Health policies and prevention strategies should be geared towards promoting healthy lifestyles from a young age, in order to reduce the risks related to unplanned and complicated pregnancies, thus improving the health of the female population and that of future generations. Women should be properly informed about how to preserve their reproductive health and should be encouraged to consult health professionals before and during pregnancy.