Thinking of Having a Baby? A Guide to Preconception Health

Paternal Nutrition during Preconception 

While maternal health is often the focus of reproductive outcomes, emerging research suggests that paternal health, including nutrition, weight, and metabolic status, also significantly influences offspring health⁴.

The Impact of Paternal Diet⁴ 

High-Fat Diet

• Increases the risk of metabolic issues in offspring, such as insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism
• Elevates the risk of childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes
• May lead to anxiety-like behaviours and cognitive impairments (based on animal studies)

Low-Protein Diet

• Can negatively impact cardiovascular health and growth
• Associated with an increased risk of hypertension, impaired heart function, and altered fat metabolism

Folic Acid in Paternal Nutrition

Folic acid is essential in the paternal diet due to its role in gene expression. A deficiency in folic acid can contribute to birth defects and poor pregnancy outcomes.

👁️Take an Eye Break, Shailer Park Expecting Fathers!

Exercise and Preconception Health 

Physical activity before conception benefits both parents and can positively impact offspring health. Studies indicate that regular exercise by both parents before conception can improve metabolic health in their children.

Benefits of Paternal exercises during conception⁴

• Enhances glucose and fat metabolism
• Improves energy expenditure
• Reduces the risk of metabolic disorders in offspring

While research on the combined effects of exercise and nutrition is ongoing, preliminary findings suggest that optimising both can enhance reproductive and offspring health outcomes. Our experienced Exercise Physiologists in Shailer Park could help you achieve your best health prior to preconception!

Taking proactive steps toward a healthy preconception period—through balanced nutrition, weight management, supplementation, and exercise—can significantly improve fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term health for both parents and children. If you’re planning for pregnancy, consult our healthcare professionals at Shailer Park clinic for personalised guidance tailored to your needs.

Essential Health Physiotherapy’s dietitian is at your service after your call to 07 3132 0898.

References

1. Stephenson, J., Heslehurst, N., Hall, J., Schoenaker, D., V, J., Cade, J., Poston, L., Barrett, G., Crozier, S., Kumaran, Yanjik, C., Barker, M., Baird, J., & Mishra, G. (2018). Before the beginning: nutrition and lifestyle in the preconception period and its importance for future health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6075697/ ↩︎
2. Dorney, E. , Black, K.L. (2018). Preconception care. 47(7), 1. Retrieved March 26/3/2025, 2025, from https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2018/july/preconception-care ↩︎
3. Caut, C., Leach, M., & Steel, A. (2019, 12 2). Dietary guideline adherence during preconception and pregnancy: A systematic review. Matern Child Nutrition, 1. 10.1111/mcn.12916 ↩︎
4. Jahan-Mihan, A., Keftwich, J., Berg, K., Labyak, C., Nodarse, R., Allen, S., & Griggs, J. (2024, 12 11). The Impact of Parental Preconception Nutrition, Body Weight, and Exercise Habits on Offspring Health Outcomes: A Narrative Review. The Impact of Parental Preconception Nutrition, Body Weight, and Exercise Habits on Offspring Health Outcomes: A Narrative Review, 1. 10.3390/nu16244276 ↩︎

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