Abstract
Background
Attempting pregnancy as a conscious decision (pregnancy intention) can impact the likelihood that a future parent receives or seeks preconception health information, initiates discussions with health professionals, and ultimately optimises their health and behaviours in preparation for healthy pregnancy and child. Knowledge about the relationship between men’s preconception health behaviours and their pregnancy intention is only emerging.
Methods
This study aimed to describe the preconception health status, behaviours, information- and advice-seeking of male expectant partners, and to explore differences in these preconception factors based on pregnancy intention. An online retrospective cross-sectional survey was completed by male reproductive partners of pregnant females. Their pregnancy intention was assessed using the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (LMUP). Participants were recruited via social media and all variables were self-reported by expectant partners. Chi-square tests examined differences by LMUP categories (planned or ambivalent/unplanned).
Results
Of 156 expectant partners who consented to survey participation, 138 completed all LMUP questions and were included in analysis. Most expectant partners reported their partner’s current pregnancy as planned (n = 90;65.2%), less than half reported looking for and finding information about becoming pregnant (40.0%). Expectant partners with planned pregnancy more often reported physical exercise three months before pregnancy compared with partners with unplanned/ambivalent pregnancy (p = 0.001). Expectant partners with ambivalent/unplanned pregnancy more often experienced longstanding illness, disability, or infirmity (p = 0.002) or disregarded contraception (p < 0.001). Despite perceiving good or excellent health, and undertaking physical exercise, numerous expectant partners with planned pregnancy had overweight. Further research exploring the reproductive life plan process for males with longstanding chronic illness or disability may help promote pregnancy planning and preconception health amongst this sub-population.
Conclusions
Further large-scale studies are needed to enable clinicians to better understand pregnancy intentions and preconception health of males and for policy makers to formulate health policies aimed at supporting male preconception health and awareness.
Reflection questions for FASD Prevention Facilitators
How can FASD prevention efforts incorporate discussions about male preconception health, given the study’s findings that expectant fathers with planned pregnancies were more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviours (e.g., exercise, immunization checks) compared to those with unplanned pregnancies?
What strategies can FASD Prevention Facilitators implement to ensure that both partners—not just the pregnant individual—are informed about the risks of alcohol exposure during preconception and pregnancy, especially in light of the study’s findings on the role of male health behaviors?
How can FASD Prevention Facilitators address barriers to preconception health information among individuals with unplanned pregnancies, particularly for those with chronic illnesses or disabilities, who may be less likely to seek or receive guidance on healthy preconception behaviours?