The health, wellbeing and health service use of women attempting or planning pregnancy: a nationwide cross-sectional survey of Australian women

BackgroundHealth and wellbeing during the preconception period influence maternal and child health outcomes. We describe the sociodemographic and health characteristics of Australian women currently attempting pregnancy or planning to conceive in the next 12 months, compared with other women of reproductive age, to identify opportunities for preconception care. MethodsA sub-analysis of survey data obtained in 2022 that included 874 responses from females aged 18-49 years was conducted. Socio-demographic characteristics, health and wellbeing status, and health service utilization data were described according to pregnancy intention. ResultsOf 874 women, 64 (7.4%) reported currently attempting pregnancy and 45 (5.2%) reported planning to become pregnant in the next 12 months. Both groups of women were commonly married or in a de facto relationship. Women who were planning to become pregnant were more commonly aged 25-34 years (71.1%) compared to 18 to 24 years (20.0%) or aged 35 years or older (8.9%). They were also more likely to consult a chiropractor (OR 1.5). Women currently attempting pregnancy were less likely to not be in the paid workforce (OR 0.34) compared to working full time. They were also less likely to be using prescription-only pharmaceuticals (OR 0.30) and more likely to be consulting a Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner (OR 2.66) or a dietician (OR 2.11). ConclusionThe findings of this study can be used for informing health service planning and policy that takes a whole-of-health-system approach when designing preconception health primary care interventions.