Abstract
Author(s): Rehab Flieh Hassan* and Muna Abdulwahab Khaleel
This study examines how maternal lifestyle factors affect maternal health conditions and fetal development among women with past or present illnesses. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 250 pregnant women aged 20 and above in two governmental hospitals in Hilla City, Iraq, from December 2023 to June 2024. The study evaluated demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Results showed that 91.3% of participants maintained satisfactory lifestyle behaviors, though gaps in understanding and practicing wellness strategies were evident. High rates of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes (38.1%) and hypertension (29.4%), highlighted the need for targeted interventions. Women with chronic illnesses and multiple pregnancies exhibited improved lifestyle practices, but stress and fatigue remained barriers. The findings underscore the importance of primary healthcare facilities in promoting healthy lifestyles in underserved areas. Recommendations include enhanced health education, specialized care units for chronic conditions, community support networks, and technological solutions for maternal health monitoring.