Prevention of noncommunicable diseases by interventions in the preconception period: A FIGO position paper for action by healthcare practitioners. (7th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jacob, Chandni Maria; Killeen, Sarah Louise; McAuliffe, Fionnuala M.; Stephenson, Judith; Hod, Moshe; Diaz Yamal, Ivonne; Malhotra, Jaideep; Mocanu, Edgar; McIntyre, H. David; Kihara, Anne B.; Ma, Ronald C.; Divakar, Hema; Kapur, Anil; Ferriani, Rui; Ng, Ernest; Henry, Laurie; Van Der Spuy, Zephne; Rosenwaks, Zev; Hanson, Mark A.
• Other Names: McAuliffe Fionnuala guestEditor.; Hanson Mark guestEditor.; Killeen Sarah Louise guestEditor.; Jacob Chandni Maria guestEditor.; Hod Moshe guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics. Volume 151(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 6
• Page End: 15
• Publication Date: 2020-09-07
• Subjects: FIGO -- Noncommunicable diseases -- Nutrition -- Obesity -- Perinatal health -- Preconception -- Pregnancy; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618
• DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13331
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7292

Abstract

Abstract: With the increase in obesity prevalence among women of reproductive age globally, the risks of type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, pre‐eclampsia, and other conditions are rising, with detrimental effects on maternal and newborn health. The period before pregnancy is increasingly recognized as crucial for addressing weight management and reducing malnutrition (both under‐ and overnutrition) in both parents to reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the mother as well as the passage of risk to her offspring. Healthcare practitioners, including obstetricians, gynecologists, midwives, and general practitioners, have an important role to play in supporting women in planning a pregnancy and achieving healthy nutrition and weight before pregnancy. In this position paper, the FIGO Pregnancy Obesity and Nutrition Initiative provides an overview of the evidence for preconception clinical guidelines to reduce the risk of NCDs in mothers and their offspring. It encourages healthcare practitioners to initiate a dialogue on women's health, nutrition, and weight management before conception. While acknowledging the fundamental importance of the wider social and environmental determinants of health, this paper focuses on a simple set of recommendations for clinical practice that can be used even in short consultations. The recommendations can be contextualized based on local cultural and dietary practices as part of a system‐wide public health approach to influence the wider determinants as well as individual factors influencing preconception health. Abstract : This FIGO position paper calls for clinicians to act on the need to promote healthy nutrition and BMI in the preconception period to prevent noncommunicable diseases.