Purpose: To evaluate the effects of preconception care (PCC) consultations by change in lifestyle behaviors. Setting and Intervention: Women in deprived neighborhoods of 14 Dutch municipalities were encouraged to visit a general practitioner or midwife for PCC. Sample: The study included women aged 18 to 41 years who had a PCC consultation. Design: In this community-based prospective cohort study, we assessed initiation of folic acid supplementation, cessation of smoking, alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use. Measures: Self-reported and biomarker data on behavioral changes were obtained at baseline and 3 months later. Analysis: The changes in prevalence were assessed with the McNemar test. Results: Of the 259 included participants, paired analyses were available in 177 participants for self-reported outcomes and in 82 for biomarker outcomes. Baseline self-reported prevalence of no folic acid use was 36%, smoking 12%, weekly alcohol use 22%, and binge drinking 17%. Significant changes in prevalence toward better lifestyle during follow-up were seen for folic acid use (both self-reported, P <.001; and biomarker-confirmed, P =.008) and for self-reported binge drinking (P =.007). Conclusion: Our study suggests that PCC contributes to initiation of folic acid supplementation and cessation of binge drinking in women who intend to become pregnant. Although based on a small sample, the study adds to the limited body of evidence regarding the benefits of PCC in improving periconception health.

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doi.org/10.1177/0890117120927287, hdl.handle.net/1765/127296
American Journal of Health Promotion
Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics

Sijpkens, M., van Voors, S.F. (Sabine F.), Rosman, A., de Jong-Potjer, L., Denktaş, S., Koch, B., … Steegers, E. (2020). Change in Lifestyle Behaviors After Preconception Care: A Prospective Cohort Study. American Journal of Health Promotion. doi:10.1177/0890117120927287