Lifestyle Changes Can Reduce Risk of Pregnancy Complications
Pregnancy News
Obie Editorial Team
The study involved 5,628 healthy women, all of whom were expecting their first child and carrying singletons. They hailed from Australia (3,196 participants) and the UK/Ireland (2,432 participants). Evaluations took place between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation. The focus was on recognizing factors that could mitigate the risk of pregnancy complications and promote favorable pregnancy outcomes.
Impressively, 61 women concluded their pregnancies without significant complications. These pregnancies exceeded 37 weeks and resulted in the birth of healthy, appropriately sized infants. While complications such as babies being born small for gestational age, the onset of premature labor, and conditions like high blood pressure and preeclampsia were among observed challenges, many of these can indeed be influenced or controlled with proactive choices.
Key lifestyle behaviors identified as risk factors include poor body mass index (BMI), unmanaged high blood pressure, misuse of drugs, and binge drinking, particularly during the critical first trimester. Recognizing and understanding these elements is crucial in taking proactive steps towards health.
Although some risk factors, such as inherited high blood pressure or bleeding during pregnancy, are beyond our control, there are proactive measures one can take. If high blood pressure before pregnancy is a concern, particularly regarding contraceptive use, awareness will allow you to discuss management strategies with your healthcare provider. Embrace regular physical activity, aim for a healthy weight, limit salt, and reduce alcohol consumption. Nourish your body with a well-rounded, nutritious diet.
For additional positive impact, consider normalizing your weight, incorporating more fruits into your diet even before conception, closely monitoring and managing blood pressure levels, and refraining from substance misuse. Each of these steps represents a powerful action that you can take to enhance both your health and that of your baby.
Source: Chappell, Lucy C., et al. "Exploration and confirmation of factors associated with uncomplicated pregnancy in nulliparous women: prospective cohort study." BMJ 2013; 347. Web. 5 Dec 2013.