Preparing for a healthy pregnancy has been widely seen as a woman's responsibility across all sections. Mothers are usually advised every step of the way: How to walk, sit, sleep and eat. It is right too, but pregnancy is no longer a woman's responsibility alone; it is the father's too. A new study has emerged putting fathers in the spotlight.
A major study published in The Lancet warns that factors such as men's smoking, alcohol use, weight, mental health and diet before conception can influence pregnancy outcomes and the long-term health of their children.
For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH
Researchers highlight that men are important contributors to the health of future generations.
Alcohol consumption among fathers before conception is linked to a higher risk of birth defects. Smoking and other lifestyle factors may alter sperm in many ways that can impact fetal development, too.
Amid the rising concerns about male reproductive health, the study brings a valid point.
A man's life choices, from his exercise habits to his stress levels, directly affect the health of his sperm. These environmental factors can lead to changes that impact a couple's ability to conceive and may even shape the future health of their children.
When fathers are involved from the start, mothers tend to take better care of themselves and avoid risks like smoking or drinking. While this support is a powerful tool against maternal depression, we must also look after the fathers. Men who have struggled with their mental health in the past are often more susceptible to stress and anxiety once their partner becomes pregnant.