Health conditions and behaviours of women who regularly consult their GP across their childbearing years
Synopsis
Most
women enter pregnancy with health conditions and behaviours, such as smoking,
obesity and diabetes, that may increase their risk of complications during and
after pregnancy. Complications, such as high blood pressure and preterm birth,
affect the immediate and longer-term health of mothers and babies. GPs and their healthcare teams are therefore encouraged
to support their patients to minimise risk factors in preparation for a healthy
pregnancy. This study aims to identify opportunities for preconception care in
the general practice setting, by describing and examining associations between
women ’ s health conditions and behaviours throughout their reproductive years
and their frequency of consulting a GP.