Health Behaviors During Pregnancy and a History of Fetal Death: A Comparative Analysis
Keywords:
Maternal Health, Health Behavior, Fetal Death, Nursing (MeSH)Abstract
Introduction. Fetal death is a global public health issue, with medical, social, and emotional implications for women and their families. In Mexico, it remains a sensitive indicator of prenatal care and socioeconomic conditions. Lifestyle behaviors during pregnancy, such as nutrition, physical activity, substance use, and stress management, influence perinatal outcomes.
Objetive. Comparatively analyze lifestyles and prenatal care among women with and without a history of fetal death.
Methodology. A quantitative, descriptive, and comparative study was conducted with 35 pregnant women in Cancún, Quintana Roo. Questionnaires on lifestyle behaviors and prenatal care were administered through structured interviews, and descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Results. In the group without a history of fetal death, 47.1 % had higher education and 47.1 % initiated prenatal care in the first trimester, whereas in the group with a history, 44.4 % had a high school level of education and 61.1 % initiated prenatal care in the third trimester. Alcohol (22.1 %) and tobacco (16.7%) consumption was higher in the group with a history of fetal death. Significant associations were identified between the trimester of prenatal care in the group with a history (Fisher = 17.72, p < .05) and in the group with no history of fetal death (Fisher = 32.15, p < . 05). Alcohol consumption (Fisher = 18.48, p < .05) and smoking (Fisher = 16.91, p < .05), and knowledge in both the group without a history (Fisher = 19.84, p < .05) and in the group with a history of fetal death (Fisher = 27.39, p < .05).
Conclusion. Women with a history of fetal death showed greater exposure to behavioral risk factors and reduced access to prenatal care.
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The moral rights belong to the author, the economic rights belong to the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla.
