Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research
Prevalence of maternal preconception risk factors: an Italian multicenter survey
Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 1/2014
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Objectives
Adequate preconception maternal health care is essential to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy outcomes and complications. Still, many women are exposed to a number of unhealthy risk factors both before and early in pregnancy. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of a number of important preconception risk factors using data from a recent multicenter study in Italy.
Methods
The study was based on cross-sectional data from seven maternity clinics located in six different regions in Italy during the period January – June, 2012. Data on maternal preconception risk factors and characteristics were collected from 1,892 women who delivered healthy children and 320 women who were pregnant in the first trimester.
Results
About 97% of the women (n = 2,212) were exposed to one or more preconception risk factors. The overall prevalence of the most essential maternal risk factors was as follows: 41% had a age ≥35 years, 36% mistimed or did not intend their pregnancy, 58% did not request a preconception health visit to their doctor, 76% did not use folic acid supplements before pregnancy, 26% smoked at the last menstrual period, 19% had a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 before pregnancy, and 10% suffered from pregestational chronic diseases. The prevalence of certain variables varied between the maternity clinics.
Conclusions
Many Italian women are exposed to a number of preconception risk factors that have been associated with adverse pregnancy complications and outcomes. More effective intervention programs to improve preconception health in Italian women are strongly needed.