They can include social, economic, and environmental factors, all of which can affect preconception health, influencing fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and the health of future generations.
When talking about preconception health, it's essential to understand and acknowledge these wider determinants.
Simply telling people to change their behaviour without addressing these underlying factors can lead to increased stress, guilt, and frustration, especially if they lack the time or opportunities to make these changes.
Always be aware of asking people to do something that they are unable to, and be empathetic and non-judgemental when offering suggestions of changes that they might want to consider.
The factors that can impact on people
Social networks and emotional support
- Strong social support from family, friends, and community can improve mental and reproductive health.
- Lack of support may increase stress and impact decision-making around pregnancy.
- Preparing for a potential pregnancy involves emotional challenges, and without support, individuals may feel overwhelmed.
- Offering to provide access to community resources and professional guidance, while encouraging the development of alternative support networks, can help people to overcome these challenges and have healthier happier pregnancies.
Housing and living conditions
- Poor housing, such as mould, damp, overcrowding, and unsafe environments, can lead to health issues. Individuals should seek advice from their housing office or landlord.
- People can get advice and support from their housing office or landlord - housing officers are based in district and borough councils.
Access to healthcare
- Limited access to healthcare can lead to unmanaged health conditions (for example, diabetes, and hypertension), increasing pregnancy risks.
- Addressing lifestyle factors like smoking, substance abuse, or obesity is essential.
Cost of good quality food
- The high cost of nutritious food can limit access to essential vitamins and minerals, leading to deficiencies that can affect reproductive health.
- If someone is more than 10 weeks pregnant or has a child under four, they may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk through the Healthy Start scheme.
Financial stability and employment
Education
More information
Our welfare benefits team can support you to find out about the benefits entitlement to and how to claim:
Citizens Advice believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice.
Derbyshire Unemployed Workers' Centres are part of a larger network of TUC Unemployed Workers' Centres. Their aim is to prevent or relieve poverty among the unemployed, underemployed, and unwaged.
Community banks and access to credit some forms of borrowing can be very expensive when you work out what you will have to pay back by the end of the agreement. Make sure you work out what sort of credit suits you.
Feeding Derbyshire is a network of affordable food projects that aims to improve accessibility to good quality, affordable food and reduce the negative impact of hunger by ensuring projects and initiatives are inclusive and reach the most vulnerable people in the county.