Researchers call for improved awareness of need to prepare for pregnancy

Most people do not realise the importance of thinking about health before pregnancy, according to a new project.

‘Preconception care' supports women and their partners to improve their health before pregnancy and parenthood. This helps give children the best start to life.

However, a new public consultation has found that the term is not well understood. Many people are unaware of the potential benefits it can offer them and their future children, the results suggest.

The project was led within the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and the University of Southampton. It was a collaboration with the UCL Institute for Women’s Health.

Researchers say it highlights the need for new strategies to spread awareness.

Their findings have been published in Health Expectations.

Supporting future parents

Research shows that women and men who are healthy and well when they (or their partner) get pregnant are less likely to develop complications.

Their children also tend to have better long-term developmental and health outcomes.

Preconception care promotes healthy behaviours such as a balanced diet and taking folic acid supplements. It also addresses risk factors such as smoking, alcohol and obesity.

Gathering views

The new paper, led by Dr Danielle Schoenaker, details the findings of a public consultation. It involved 54 people aged 18-50 years living in the UK. None of the contributors were currently expecting a child.

Researchers organised virtual group discussions to explore public understanding of ‘preconception health’. The questions they asked included:

• How would you describe the time before pregnancy? Why might health be important during this time?
• Have you heard of and/or what are your thoughts on the term ‘preconception health’?
• What are important things to consider when communicating about preconception health?
• What can we do to raise awareness of preconception health?

The consultation revealed that very few contributors understood the term ‘preconception health’. There was a lack of knowledge around what it meant and why it is important.

During the discussions, it became clear that most contributors knew of some factors that may affect the ability to conceive. These include taking folic acid supplements and the mother's age. However, they were largely unaware of the link with health in pregnancy and beyond for parents and children.

Increasing understanding

Contributors shared their views on how researchers can raise awareness of preconception health.

Their recommendations included using terms that are easier to understand. The most popular were ‘planning for parenthood’, ‘health and wellbeing during the childbearing years’ and ‘health and wellbeing before pregnancy and parenthood’.

They felt targeted messaging would help increase understanding of when, why and for who preconception health is important. This should communicate immediate benefits for the person, as well as for a future pregnancy and child.

Using gender-sensitive language was also seen as important.

Dr Schoenaker, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, said:

“Our public consultation reveals a significant gap in public awareness and understanding of preconception health. This must be urgently addressed to support people to plan and prepare for pregnancy and parenthood.

“To raise awareness, we need to co-develop effective strategies. This should start with education in schools and continue through social media campaigns and NHS support."