Ginekologia i Poloznictwo
ISSN 1896-3315 e-ISSN 1898-0759

Pregnant mothers' lifestyle factors based on their past or present illnesses

Rehab Flieh Hassan^1* and Muna Abdulwahab Khaleel^{2 *}Correspondence: Rehab Flieh Hassan, College of Nursing, University of Babylon, Iraq,

Received: 25-Jan-2025, Manuscript No. gpmp-25-161793; Editor assigned: 27-Jan-2025, Pre QC No. P-161793; Reviewed: 11-Feb-2025, QC No. Q-161793; Revised: 28-Feb-2025, Manuscript No. R-161793; Published: 31-Mar-2025

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Abstract

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.

Introduction

A mother's health during pregnancy significantly influences her child's development. Perinatal programming, where external factors impact pregnancy and future health, emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Maternal weight gain, exercise, and smoking are critical factors affecting pregnancy outcomes [1]. Unhealthy lifestyles can lead to gestational diabetes, preterm labor, and other complications. Lifestyle choices, including diet, physical activity, and stress management, play a vital role in maternal and fetal health. This study explores the impact of lifestyle factors on pregnant women with past or present illnesses, focusing on their health behaviors and pregnancy outcomes [2,3].

Methodology

Study design: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted from December 10, 2023, to June 10, 2024, in two governmental hospitals in Hilla City, Iraq.

Ethical approval: Approval was obtained from the Babylon Health Directorate and the participating hospitals. Oral consent was acquired from all participants, ensuring confidentiality and voluntary participation.

Setting: The study was conducted in Babylon Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children and AL-Imam AL-Sadiq Teaching Hospital.

Population and sampling: A convenience sample of 250 pregnant women aged 20 and above was selected using purposive sampling. Participants were divided between the two hospitals, with 150 from AL-Imam AL-Sadiq and 100 from Babylon Teaching Hospital.

Instrumentation: A questionnaire was designed to collect demographic data, history of illnesses, and lifestyle factors. The questionnaire included three parts: demographic information, history of past or present illnesses, and lifestyle factors.

Statistical Analysis

Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, with a significance level of p<0.05.

Results

The majority of participants were aged 20-24 (28.2%), with 34.9% having intermediate education. Most were government employees (36.5%) or housewives (34.1%). Nearly half (48.8%) reported their economic status as "barely sufficient," and 70.2% lived in urban areas (Tab. 1.).

Tab. 1. Socio-demographic data and personal characteristics.

Diabetes mellitus (38.1%) and hypertension (29.4%) were the most common conditions. Multiple pregnancies were reported by 7.9% of participants (Fig. 1.).

Fig. 1. Distribution of past or present illnesses.

91.3% of participants had a fair level of lifestyle factors. Nutrition was rated as good by 44.8%, while stress levels were mild for 62.7% (Tab. 2.).

Tab. 2. Distribution of lifestyle factors.

Significant differences were found in lifestyle factors for women with diabetes, hypertension, and multiple pregnancies (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed for psychiatric illnesses or genetic abnormalities (Tab. 3.).

Tab. 3. Mean differences in lifestyle factors based on illnesses.

Discussion

The study revealed that most pregnant women maintained average lifestyle practices, though gaps in knowledge and implementation were evident. Chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension were prevalent, necessitating targeted interventions [4]. Women with multiple pregnancies and chronic illnesses showed improved lifestyle practices but faced challenges such as stress and fatigue. Primary healthcare centers were identified as crucial for promoting healthy lifestyles, especially in low-resource settings [5].

Conclusion

Maternal lifestyle factors significantly impact pregnancy outcomes and child health. While most participants demonstrated fair lifestyle practices, there is a need for enhanced health education and support, particularly for women with chronic conditions. Primary healthcare centers play a vital role in promoting healthy behaviors among pregnant women in underserved areas.

Recommendations

Health education: Provide education on nutrition, exercise, and stress management for pregnant women, especially those with chronic conditions.

Specialized care units: Establish specialized care units for women with diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses.

Community support: Expand community-based prenatal education and peer mentoring programs.

Technological solutions: Implement mobile health apps and telemedicine for remote monitoring and support.

Funding and resources: Increase funding for maternal health services in low- and middle-income countries to improve healthcare systems and community-based interventions.

References

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