Health in preconception and pregnancy

Women’s health and lifestyle before pregnancy (preconception) can critically influence maternal, pregnancy and future child health outcomes. This thesis addresses gaps in our understanding of Australian women’s pregnancy preparations. Findings include high pregnancy planning behaviours yet varied uptake of preconception health recommendations (e.g. folic-acid supplementation, reviewing immunisations, cervical screening) and limited preconception healthcare engagement. Women identified as experiencing greater challenges in achieving recommended preconception behaviours include young women, those with unplanned pregnancies, women of an unhealthy weight and those from migrant backgrounds. This thesis informs integrated preconception healthcare approaches across public health policy, health promotion, research and practice in Australia.