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A study has found that various factors such as men’s smoking, drinking, body weight, diet and mental health can influence their children even from the prepregnancy stage.
In general, when preparing for pregnancy, the most emphasized aspect has been the woman’s lifestyle. Creating a healthy environment — such as abstaining from alcohol and smoking and managing diet — has long been considered the woman’s responsibility. However, recently attention has increasingly been paid to the fact that men’s health and lifestyle before pregnancy can also affect a child’s development and long-term health.
According to a recent study published in the international academic journal The Lancet, various aspects of men’s lifestyles can play a role in childbirth and early development. The study was published under the title “More equitable preconception health: paternal life course opportunities for better pregnancy, child, and family outcomes.”
Stay away from alcohol
In particular, paternal alcohol consumption before pregnancy was found to be associated with an increased risk of congenital abnormalities, and smoking and certain lifestyle factors may alter sperm characteristics, potentially affecting fetal development.
At the same time, the researchers also highlighted the role of men during pregnancy. According to the study, a partner’s participation and support during pregnancy can influence the pregnancy process itself. The more emotional support and involvement a partner provides, the more likely the pregnant woman is to consistently attend prenatal care and maintain healthy lifestyle habits. Additionally, levels of depression and anxiety tend to be lower.
The study also mentioned previous findings that male sperm counts have declined by more than half globally over recent decades. However, the researchers emphasized that not only sperm count but also sperm quality is an important factor.
Sperm quality can be affected by various factors such as diet, obesity, physical activity, environmental exposure and stress, and these can influence not only reproductive ability but also the health of children.
Pay attention to both mental, physical health
In addition, men’s mental health was found to be related to the overall well-being of the family. It has been reported that the children of men who experience depression tend to have a higher likelihood of experiencing depression themselves.
The researchers pointed out the limitations of viewing a child’s health as solely the mother’s responsibility. Such an approach may overly concentrate responsibility for a child’s health on the mother.
Accordingly, the researchers stressed that men need to manage their health well before becoming fathers. They explained that efforts are needed to expand preconception health education for men, improve access to health care, and address mental health and social inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do a father’s drinking and smoking before pregnancy really affect the child?
A. According to research, prepregnancy alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of congenital abnormalities, and smoking and some lifestyle habits may alter sperm characteristics, potentially affecting fetal development.
Q. Is the father’s role important not only before pregnancy but also during pregnancy?
A. Yes. When a partner participates in prenatal care and provides emotional support, the pregnant woman is more likely to maintain healthy habits, and levels of depression and anxiety tend to be lower.
Q. Is declining sperm count the issue, or are other factors more important?
A. While declining sperm count is an important issue, researchers emphasize that it is more important to consider not only the quantity but also the quality of sperm, and the lifestyle and environmental factors that influence it.
This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
