Maternal health behaviors during pregnancy in rural Northwestern China

Abstract

Background Maternal health during pregnancy is a key input in fetal health and child development. This study aims to systematically describe the health behaviors of pregnant women in rural China and identify which subgroups of women are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors during pregnancy. Methods We surveyed 1088 pregnant women in rural northwestern China on exposure to unhealthy substances, nutritional behaviors, the timing and frequency of antenatal care, and demographic characteristics. Results Pregnant women were active in seeking antenatal care and had low rates of alcohol consumption (5.1%), exposure to toxins (4.8%), and exposure to radiation (2.9%). However, tobacco exposure was widespread (40.3%), as was low dietary diversity (61.8%), unhealthy weight gain (59.7%), unhealthy pre-pregnancy BMI (29.7%), and no folic acid intake (17.1%). Maternal education is closely linked to better health behaviors, whereas experience with a previous pregnancy is not. Conclusions Tobacco exposure and unhealthy nutritional behaviors are common among pregnant women in rural northwestern China. The findings indicate that in the absence of professional health information, relying on experience of previous pregnancies alone may not help rural women avoid unhealthy maternal behaviors. Maternal health education campaigns targeting nutrition and tobacco exposure during pregnancy may improve maternal, fetal, and child health in rural China.

Structural Determinants of Child Health in Rural China: The Challenge of Creating Health Equity

“…Another example is the inadequate nutrition of pregnant women, which is also correlated with poverty and child health at birth. A study by Ma et al found a high prevalence of inadequate dietary diversity during pregnancy in rural China, which has been posited as a cause of high rates of anemia in young infants [ 46 , 47 ].…”

“…Family choices regarding how to feed young children, how often a child sees a doctor, and whether to receive the immunization could have short-term and long-term health implications for children. Several studies in rural China have identified caregiving behaviors in child feeding as a factor in undernutrition and anemia among rural infants and toddlers [ 46 , 47 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 ]. For example, although public health practitioners recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth and continued breastfeeding for the first two years [ 74 ], studies have found low rates of exclusive breastfeeding under six months of age as well as over-reliance on formula among rural families.…”

Dietary Diversity and Its Contribution to the Magnitude of Anaemia among Pregnant Women: Evidence from Rural Areas of Western China

“…Another study conducted in a rural area of western China found that 97%, 91%, and 64% of the pregnant women surveyed had inadequate amounts of folate, zinc, and iron intake, respectively [16]. Moreover, in 2020, Ma et al investigated the maternal health behaviour of pregnant women in rural China and reported that 61% of the pregnant women surveyed had low dietary diversity [17]. According to this literature, addressing the poor dietary intake and dietary diversity of pregnant women is essential for reducing the burden of prenatal anaemia in rural China.…”

Health‐related behaviours and weight status of expectant fathers

“…To date, the majority of research investigating the nature, prevalence and consequences of modifiable lifestyle behaviours during the antenatal period has focused on mothers. [8][9][10] Indeed, definitions of 'antenatal care' typically refer solely to the care of women during their pregnancy. 1,11 Pregnancy is recognised as a period during which women are likely to be more receptive to behavioural change due to concerns about the health and wellbeing of their babies, 12 and a variety of antenatal health programs and services are available to assist expectant mothers to adopt healthier lifestyles.…”

“…The antenatal (or prenatal) period is an especially critical phase of child development, 7 making it important to understand parents’ lifestyle behaviours over this period. To date, the majority of research investigating the nature, prevalence and consequences of modifiable lifestyle behaviours during the antenatal period has focused on mothers 8-10 . Indeed, definitions of ‘antenatal care’ typically refer solely to the care of women during their pregnancy 1,11 .…”