Smoking and alcohol cessation, regular exercise, a balanced diet and control of concomitant diseases are at the heart of a good pregnancy.
Smoking and alcohol cessation, regular exercise, a balanced diet and control of concomitant diseases are at the heart of a good pregnancy.
The British Medical Journal published the results of a study by a Harvard University team led by Dr. Rob Van Dam. It covered about 80,000 women between the ages of 34 and 59 and began in 1980. Every two years, for a total of 24, the participants filled in data on their lifestyle. For the whole period, a balance is made as to which factors are most serious for deteriorating health, development of cardiovascular or malignant disease, or aggravation of pregnancy.
It is estimated that 28% of deaths could be prevented by smoking cessation, 55% if active physical life, a healthy diet and a good body weight were added.
Smoking is said to be a major cause of premature birth.
Doctors conclude that even small changes in habits can have an important effect on our health.