Women ‘must be healthy before getting pregnant’

London women are not getting enough information about adopting healthy lifestyles before getting pregnant, a new study revealed today.

Academics found one in four women drank more than four units of alcohol a week, one in five smoked and half failed to take folic acid, which prevents spina bifida, pre-term birth and heart defects.

The research found that 73 per cent of women had planned their pregnancy. This overturns the common belief that planning is unusual and that there is little to be gained from providing health advice during this period.

Almost 1,200 London women were asked about their lifestyles before and after conception. Previous research has shown a lack of pre-conception care to be a factor in maternal deaths, while maternal diet and nutrition influences the development of the foetus.

Professor Judith Stephenson, of UCL Partners, was alarmed that only 51 per cent took folic acid. She said: “Women are not getting that health message through clearly enough. All women should be getting this advice.”

Valeria De Marco, who took part in the study, planned her pregnancy but did not seek or receive advice from a health professional in the NHS.

She said: “When I lived in Holland, my doctor talked about folic acid so I took these and vitamin supplements before I got pregnant. I think it’s important for women to be aware of the health advantages to their baby when planning for pregnancy. Perhaps girls should be given advice at school.”