Two in Three Women Enter Pregnancy Without Preconception Care, Study Warns
Federation of Associations of Midwives of Spain Releases Preconception Report
Two out of every three women in Spain arrive at pregnancy without consulting a healthcare professional on how to prepare, according to a study presented in Madrid by the Federación de Asociaciones de Matronas de España (FAME), as reported.
- 69.2% of women aged 18 to 45 are unaware that preconception consultations exist.
- Only 13.7% of women actively trying to conceive take folic acid prior to getting pregnant.
- Over half of women in active pregnancy search report consuming alcohol during the previous month.
The research, titled ‘Todo empieza antes: el embarazo comienza en la preconcepción’, is based on 2,001 surveys of women living in Spain between the ages of 18 and 45. While 90.2% of survey respondents consider it important to care for their health prior to gestation, nearly seven out of ten do not know about the specific healthcare resource designed to evaluate risk factors and offer guidance before conception. The research, performed using 2,001 surveys of women between 18 and 45 years old residing in Spain, was presented on October 27 in Madrid.
Discrepancy Between Prenatal Care and Preconception Visits
The study highlights a stark contrast between medical supervision during pregnancy and the lack of guidance sought beforehand. According to the study, 98.7% of pregnant women and recent mothers received follow-up care from a doctor or midwife during gestation, contrasted with only 33.7% of women seeking or experiencing a pregnancy who consulted a professional on how to prepare.
Cristina González, president of the Asociación de Matronas de Madrid, noted during the presentation that midwives previously observed changes only after a positive pregnancy test, despite many vital factors occurring beforehand. Asunción Obiol, secretary of FAME, added that while midwives enjoy a high level of trust close to 57%, most women visit them only after conception occurs rather than utilizing them for preventive care.
Most Women Start Folic Acid After Conception
The research identifies major shortfalls regarding folic acid supplementation. While 82.2% of women seeking pregnancy, currently pregnant, or recently giving birth report taking folic acid at some point, only 35.5% began taking it prior to conception, according to the study. Among women actively trying to get pregnant, just 13.7% take the vitamin beforehand.
Medical guidelines recommend initiating folic acid supplementation between two and three months prior to conception to effectively reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida, which develop in the earliest weeks of gestation before many women realize they are pregnant. FAME data shows 10% of the female population does not know what folic acid is.
Preexisting Health Conditions and Lifestyle Habits
The report establishes that 22.9% of women of reproductive age possess a relevant health condition that influences a potential pregnancy. The most prevalent conditions include excess weight affecting 9.8%, polycystic ovary syndrome affecting 9.4%, thyroid disorders impacting 7.8%, and anemia present in 6.2%. Also, 9.8% of respondents are unaware they have one of these conditions, and 32.2% take prescription medications requiring medical review before seeking a child.
Lifestyle factors also complicate early preparation. Among women in active search for a pregnancy, 52.7% consumed alcohol in the preceding month, 22.3% smoke, and 9.7% smoke daily. Once pregnancy is confirmed, however, 90% of women report never consuming alcohol. Emotional wellbeing is another major factor, as 58.3% of participants expressed a desire to address emotional health with a professional before conceiving, and 77.3% acknowledged that stress negatively impacts their overall wellbeing.
Many Women Lack Awareness of Preconception Care
Even among those actively seeking a child, more than half, specifically 56%, are unaware of its existence. González asserts that during preconception consultations it is ideal for both partners to attend in order to analyze and correct the habits of both individuals. Coinciding with the observance of perinatal loss awareness month in October, FAME urges women to visit their midwife from the moment they consider seeking a pregnancy, reminding them that motherhood and care begin long before a positive test. Health problems appear as the second reason for not having had children, cited by 19.8% of Spanish women and 22.8% of those aged 40 to 44. These figures reinforce the importance of anticipating and caring for health before seeking a pregnancy.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.