International research published in The Lancet has presented a broadened perspective on pre-conception health, highlighting the significant influence of men's health and partners' support on pregnancy and child outcomes. Two studies advocate for a more inclusive approach to reproductive health, identifying key factors for men's pre-conception health, the impact of partner involvement, and proposing a new global system to monitor health indicators before pregnancy.
Men's Health and Its Influence on Future Generations
One major review, co-authored by epidemiologist Jonathan Huang, examined both clinical factors, such as sperm health, and behavioral aspects, including practical and emotional support provided by partners. The study suggested that factors like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high alcohol consumption, and age can alter sperm, potentially affecting pregnancy outcomes and the health of future children.
Professor Keith Godfrey, a senior author from the University of Southampton, noted that fathers' health and behaviors, including weight, substance use, and age, can influence pregnancy and child outcomes, sometimes with a stronger impact than the pregnant person's health. These effects can also be linked to fathers' own childhood experiences.
Dr. Danielle Schoenaker, a co-author of the review, explained that a man's early life experiences—encompassing stress, physical and mental health, environment, and education—influence his health during reproductive years. These factors can then affect his partner's health and health behaviors before and during pregnancy, and exert direct biological effects on the developing infant. The research also highlighted ethical concerns regarding the assignment of sole responsibility for a child's future health to the birthing parent, stating this reinforces gender biases.
Researchers recommended that men planning for conception prioritize exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid alcohol and smoking to optimize sperm health, citing connections between sperm quality and male health outcomes.
Lead author Jonathan Huang also highlighted that racism and colonialism have impacted family and community roles for many Black and brown men, posing barriers to addressing their health needs. He emphasized the necessity for culturally grounded approaches and policies that strengthen family and community bonds while focusing on the health and well-being of men within their cultural roles.
Tim Moss, a developmental physiologist, observed that current health systems have historically focused on women's health and may not adequately address the needs of fathers and partners of diverse genders in reproductive health.
The Role of Partner Support
The research also identified a correlation between practical support, such as attending prenatal appointments, and emotional assistance from partners, with healthier pregnancies. This suggests that improving men's health within a broader reproductive context can benefit the entire family unit.
Global Pre-Pregnancy Health Monitoring Indicators
A second study, also published in The Lancet and led by Dr. Danielle Schoenaker, focused on identifying key health and social indicators for a new global system to monitor pre-pregnancy health. This initiative aims to address a growing number of individuals becoming pregnant with existing health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and mental illness, which can complicate pregnancy and childbirth.
The study, which incorporated views from over 5,000 individuals and healthcare professionals across 13 countries including Australia, Brazil, and Ghana, identified consistent priorities for pregnancy preparation. These included physical health, mental health, financial stability, and supportive relationships.
Professor Judith Stephenson from UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, a senior author, stated that over 120 initial indicators were narrowed down to approximately 40 through a collaborative process, emphasizing the value of public perspectives for a comprehensive view of health before conception.
An international workshop is scheduled to finalize these indicators, with researchers planning to advocate for organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and national health surveillance agencies to integrate these into existing infrastructures for global pre-pregnancy health monitoring. Dr. Schoenaker noted that optimizing health before and between pregnancies can improve outcomes and reduce intergenerational inequalities, emphasizing the role of appropriate monitoring systems for governments and health services to evaluate policy effectiveness and guide future investments in pre-pregnancy care.
Researchers stressed the collective responsibility of policymakers, public health agencies, clinicians, researchers, and men themselves in improving preconception health.
Professor Godfrey summarized that investing in the well-being of boys and young men is considered key to reducing health disparities and improving outcomes for future generations, while complementing the importance of women and pregnant persons' well-being.