Discusses the increasing incidence of reproductive problems and looks at the issues that must be addressed in the preconception period
The idea of providing optimal conditions for pregnancy, birth, bonding and breastfeeding well before you even conceive is rapidly gaining popularity all over the world. Many experts see the four months immediately preceding conception as a critical stage in the reproductive process. Factors such as nutritional, environmental, emotional and lifestyle issues are taken into consideration, with both partners equally involved in the preparations to provide their unborn child with every possible advantage.

You might ask why, when babies have been coming into the world without too much trouble from time immemorial, preconception health care is now considered important. Take a moment to reflect on current statistics.

· 1 couple in 6 is infertile
· 1 woman in 5 will miscarry (maybe 1 woman in 3)
· 1 baby in 10 is born prematurely
· 1 baby in 30 is born with a congenital abnormality
· 1 woman in 5 has a Caesarean
· 1 woman in 3 suffers from some degree of PND
· Only 1 woman in 10 breastfeeds beyond her child’s first birthday
· 1 child in 10 has a learning or behaviour problem
· 1 child in 5 suffers from asthma.

So not only are we seeing a lot of reproductive problems and a lot of infant ill health, but the incidence of all these conditions has increased in recent years. However studies carried out in the UK by Foresight, Association for the Promotion of Preconceptual Care, in conjunction with Surrey University, show that most of these problems can be avoided if both prospective parents are in excellent health before they conceive a child.

Results of the study were published in the UK Journal of Natural and Environmental Medicine, 1995:

· When 367 couples followed the full preconception program there was not one miscarriage in the entire study group.
. There were no peri-natal deaths and no malformations. Without preconception health care, there would be about 70 miscarriages and 12 malformations in the same group.
· 37% of the couples had experienced previous fertility problems (from 1 to 10 years duration). By the end of the study, which ran for 18 months, 81% of those couples had a live healthy baby.
· No baby was born before 36 weeks.
· No baby was lighter than 5lb. 3oz (2368g).

For more information on this natural approach to improving reproductive outcomes, read ‘Healthy Parents, Better Babies’ and learn how preconception healthcare can: · Enhance fertility
· Prevent miscarriage/premature birth
· Reduce incidence of congenital abnormalities
· Ensure an uncomplicated labour, successful breastfeeding and an exceptionally healthy, happy baby.

About the Author

Janette Roberts is a pharmacist and clinical nutritionist with a specific interest in preconception health care. She is co-author of the internationally acclaimed “Healthy Parents, Better Babies” and its three sequels.