In Wales, there were 38,841 conceptions (69.4 per 1000 women aged 15-44) in 2018 (ONS, 2020) and 29,704 live births in 2019 with a General Fertility Rate of 53.3 per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years (ONS, 2020).

The World Health Organization  (WHO, 2021) highlights the importance of a healthy early start:

Health before pregnancy

People contemplating pregnancy should be screened for health problems as the overall health and health-related behaviours of the parents can affect fertility, maternal health and the infants’ likelihood of developing chronic conditions in later life. Health-related behaviours include: maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, not smoking, limiting alcohol use, avoiding illicit substances and practicing safer sex.

Pregnancy

During the 40 weeks of pregnancy a healthy environment and healthy lifestyle are important to optimise health in the woman’s changing body. High quality healthcare including monitoring, support and the education of expectant parents is essential.

Childbirth

Delivery complications may require immediate professional care. That is why high-quality, evidenced-based emergency obstetric and neonatal care has a significant impact on reducing illness and death in mothers and their newborn babies.

Postpartum care

As the risk of death is highest in newborn babies, monitoring maternal and newborn health is critical during the postpartum phase. Early detection and management of symptoms has been shown to reduce complications and mortality.

Breastfeeding is essential for a healthy start in life and breastfeeding for six months promotes bonding and gives newborns the right amount of nutrients. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer in women and leads to a quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight compared to formula feeding.