Lifestyle Modifications Prior to Pregnancy and Their Impact on Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes: A Review

Abstract

Background/Objective: The preconception period serves as a time for patients to modify behaviors, pre-existing disease, and potential perinatal risk factors. The purpose of this review is to review preconception behavioral modification and its effect on pregnancy outcomes. Methods: Electronic databases (PUBMED, CINAHL, and Embase) were searched. The search terms used were “healthy lifestyle” OR “life style” AND “fertility” OR “preconception care” OR “pre-pregnancy care” OR “pregnancy preparation”. Years searched were 1990–2024. Papers had to be in English. Results: Of the 301 abstracts identified, 189 full articles were selected to form this review. Preconception care (weight management, nutrition, management of pre-existing conditions, cessation of substance use, limitation to harmful environmental exposures, optimization of maternal mental health) has been shown to improve perinatal outcomes. While the benefit of preconception care has been established, compliance among reproductive aged patients is low. Reasons for low compliance in optimal preconception behavior appear to be multifactorial. While some programs have demonstrated promise in improving preconception care, more research needs to be done to improve counseling from providers as well as compliance among patients with the ultimate goal of optimizing perinatal outcomes. Conclusions: A comprehensive approach to physical, emotional, nutritional, environmental, and social well-being is essential to preconception care.