EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF A MOTHER’S HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT ON HER CHILD’S HEALTH IN UTERO AND PERSONAL HEALTH OUTCOMES

Abstract

It is clear that the number of pregnancy complications and maternal mortality rates are rising, and healthcare is thoroughly concerned with treating complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes once they arise. However, healthcare practitioners would benefit from a shift to focus more energy on providing women with education regarding risk reduction prior to and during pregnancy. If we can improve our overall health and particularly health during pregnancy, it will lead to a decrease in complications and a reduction of risk factors. In order to make improvements and changes, both practitioners and pregnant patients need to be educated on what lifestyle factors affect the health of a pregnancy and how to optimize their health during pregnancy. Significant strides are needed in patient education, and this study aims to serve as a resource for pregnant women and healthcare providers, including Obstetricians (OB), Registered Nurses (RN), and Midwives, to enhance their knowledge and educate their patients effectively. This study will review the literature on preventing the complications previously mentioned through diet, exercise, mental health interventions, trauma informed care and more. The goal of this study is to summarize how lifestyle choices can impact the health of a mother, her pregnancy, and her infant.