Enhancing women's knowledge and awareness of preconception care: promoting optimal reproductive health outcomes

Sangeeta Jaiswal; Savita Sahu; N. R. Sharma; Ankita .

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20232948

Authors

Sangeeta Jaiswal Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Savita Sahu G.S.V.M. Medical College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
N. R. Sharma Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Ankita . Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20232948

Keywords:

Preconception Care, Pregnancy, Diabetes mellitus, Fetomaternal outcomes, Infertility

Abstract

Background: Preconception care (PCC) is crucial to mother and child health. Many women don't realise how PCC might affect pregnancy and labour. Hence, we aimed to assess women's current knowledge and awareness levels regarding PCC, enhance knowledge, and empower women to prioritize proactive healthcare before conception.

Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 200 reproductive-age women. Infertility therapy (n=50), poor obstetrics history (n=50), and term delivery (n=100) were the three groups. Family, gynaecological, and demographic data were obtained. Preconception care and medical issues that affect pregnancy outcomes were taught to all study participants to identify risk factors.

Results: Most participants were aged between 18 and 25 (48%). Primary infertility was present in 52% of women. The main causes of infertility were pelvic inflammatory disease (40%) and genital tuberculosis (20%), treated with antibiotics and anti-tubercular medicines, respectively. Only 1 woman had both preconception and antenatal checkups, while 30 had neither. Maternal morbidity occurred in 52% of normal deliveries, with anaemia being the most prevalent. Caesarean sections were mostly due to prior 1 lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) (32%). Conception and healthy births were achieved in 10% and 6% of BOH patients and 18% and 10% of infertile patients, respectively.

Conclusions: There is a need to provide women with accurate and detailed information on PCC and to establish functional clinics with evidence-based guidelines to enhance uptake and pregnancy outcomes.

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