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Exploring the influence of maternal health behaviours in pregnancy on maternal and infant health and development

Garay, Samantha Maria 2022. Exploring the influence of maternal health behaviours in pregnancy on maternal and infant health and development. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.
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Abstract

Introduction The pregnancy environment can influence the short and longer term health and development of both mother and infant. One such environmental influence is maternal health behaviours. However, the current evidence regarding the influence of prenatal health behaviours on a range of outcomes is often highly inconsistent, does not consider the effect of multiple health behaviours simultaneously and is rarely conducted in Wales. Research questions 1) What are the health behaviours undertaken in pregnancy by women in Wales? 2) What is the influence of the maternal health behaviours in pregnancy on maternal and infant outcomes in Wales? Method This thesis utilised data from the Grown in Wales cohort, based in South Wales. 355 women were recruited at the pre-surgical appointment for an elective caesarean section. This thesis utilised data from midwife recorded notes, questionnaires and infant assessments, collected at recruitment, one or four years postpartum. Results During pregnancy, 11% of women smoked, 38.20% consumed alcohol, 16.60% undertook exercise and two dietary patterns were identified: Western and Health Conscious. A Health Conscious dietary pattern and exercise were associated with improved breastfeeding and mother-infant bonding outcomes, respectively. Alcohol, a Western dietary pattern and smoking were associated with suboptimal gestational weight gain, mental health and mother-child relationship outcomes. A Health Conscious dietary pattern was associated with improved birthweight and temperament outcomes, whilst smoking and alcohol were associated with suboptimal birthweight and language outcomes. Conclusion Prenatal health behaviours play an important role in influencing maternal and infant health and development. Unlike other environmental influences in pregnancy, health behaviours are potentially modifiable. This research provides novel insight on the nature and influence of prenatal health behaviours in a South Wales population, and highlights potential behavioural targets for possible future interventions to improve outcomes for mothers and infants

Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
Date Type: Completion
Status: Unpublished
Schools: Biosciences
Subjects: Q Science > Q Science (General)
Date of First Compliant Deposit: 21 October 2022
Date of Acceptance: 21 October 2022
Last Modified: 05 Apr 2023 12:19
URI: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/153639

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