A man’s or woman’s physical and mental health before conception may be more significant for subsequent pregnancies and a child’s health than previously thought, a study published in Men’s Health journal concluded.
It underlines the importance of men’s health in general, as well as preconception health in particular.
The review revealed that most of the identified studies had reported some link between the health of the fathers before conception and the health outcomes of their children.
It shows that the researchers are concerned about the lack of attention to men’s health before conception.
The review concludes by stating that future research should address the mechanisms by which paternal pre-pregnancy health could affect reproductive, perinatal, and child health outcomes.
A man’s or woman’s physical and mental health before conception may be more significant for subsequent pregnancies and a child’s health than previously thought, a study published in Men’s Health journal concluded. It underlines the importance of men’s health in general, as well as preconception health in particular.
The authors performed a literature search of multiple databases to identify relevant studies and reports. The review focuses on men’s psychological, dietary, alcohol use, tobacco use, and lifestyle factors, as well as the environmental influences before conception. The researchers note that people’s lives before having children can affect them for the rest of their lives, as well as the lives of their children and spouses. They stress the importance of taking care of one’s mental and physical health throughout life.
The review revealed that most of the identified studies had reported some link between the health of the fathers before conception and the health outcomes of their children. For example, the researchers found that alcohol consumption was associated with the increased prevalence of birth defects by 35%. Nevertheless, they added that such observational studies cannot demonstrate a direct causal link.
Moreover, the review underlined the increased risks associated with advancing paternal age, particularly parental age of 45 years and older. The researchers note that many studies have found an association between men’s advanced age at conception and the increased risk for various diseases, including autism spectrum disorders. According to the authors, paternal age might contribute to poorer reproductive and general health outcomes for both men and children.
According to the review, mental health is another important domain that needs more attention and resources. The authors note that multiple studies have found an association between paternal depression and depression in their children. For example, one study found that a child of a depressed father was more likely to develop depression by 42%. The researchers highlight the potential effect of genetic, familial, and social factors, among others.
The review acknowledges the need for further high-quality evidence to fully understand the role of preconception health on fathers, their partners, and children. It shows that most of the current evidence is based on observational studies, which means that the link between certain health outcomes before conception and the specific causes cannot be established.
Nevertheless, the review highlights the importance of addressing the health needs of men before conception. The authors argue that the maternal focus on preconception care is too narrow to be truly effective.
Furthermore, the study points out that putting too much responsibility on the shoulders of the expectant mother is unfair, both politically and scientifically. The authors emphasize that encouraging men to take care of their mental health, diet, and lifestyle before conception will benefit their partners and children.
It shows that the researchers are concerned about the lack of attention to men’s health before conception. The review concludes by stating that future research should address the mechanisms by which paternal pre-pregnancy health could affect reproductive, perinatal, and child health outcomes.
