Maternal health-related behaviours during pregnancy: a critical public health issue

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the health-related behaviours of pregnant women. Maternal health-related habits, use of psychoactive medicines, diet, prevention of neural tube defects, oral cavity hygiene, chronic diseases and physical activity were analysed in a group of pregnant women attending antenatal classes. Methods: Hundred pregnant women recruited from various antenatal classes in Pozna, Poland, were investigated using a questionnaire based on the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Results: The results showed that 29% of pregnancies were unplanned. In women with higher education, 62% reported that they were taking folic acid supplements during pregnancy, in contrast with 35% women with a lower level of education (p=.012). The study showed that 24% of women were exposed to second-hand smoke during pregnancy, and this was more common among younger study participants (p=.038). Nine percentage of women admitted drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy alcohol consumption was more frequent among women with higher education (p=.011). Only 46.7% of women informed their dentist about their pregnancy, and these were more often older participants (p=.023). Conclusion: The study found low maternal awareness regarding health-related behaviours, which presents a serious challenge to public health care in Poland. Pregnant women and those who wish to conceive need to be educated effectively about preventive measures in order to maintain optimal maternal and reproductive health, as well as normal fetal development.