The influence of paternal preconception health on birth defects and head circumference: A scoping review - PubMed
7 days ago
- #paternal health
- #birth defects
- #preconception care
- Paternal preconception health impacts fetal development, particularly congenital birth defects (CBDs) and head circumference.
- Key paternal factors linked to CBDs include physical health (e.g., metabolic syndrome, infections), smoking, alcohol use, and environmental exposures (e.g., solvents, pesticides).
- Most medications showed no increased CBD risk, but metformin and diazepam were potential exceptions.
- Limited studies suggest a possible link between paternal factors and infant head circumference, but findings are inconclusive due to small sample sizes.
- The review highlights knowledge gaps and calls for expanded preconception counseling to include fathers, focusing on health improvement and exposure reduction.