Co-Creating Preconception Health Content for a Digital Resource for Women From Diverse Ethnic Backgrounds.

This study explored what women from diverse cultural backgrounds want to know about preparing their bodies for pregnancy. Researchers conducted online workshops with 10 women from East Asian, South Asian, Central Asian, Middle-Eastern, and African communities to understand their pregnancy preparation practices and information needs. The women shared that they used various cultural practices to prepare for conception, including eating warm foods, using acupuncture, and taking alternative medicines. Many experienced significant stress from family expectations, particularly from mothers-in-law who often played key roles in pregnancy planning decisions. The women expressed wanting more information about egg freezing, government benefits, understanding risks during pregnancy, navigating the healthcare system, accessing interpreter services, and finding female healthcare providers who speak their language. For women considering acupuncture as part of their preconception health routine, this research highlights its use within cultural pregnancy preparation practices. The study's findings suggest that preconception health resources should address stress management techniques, provide guidance on balancing cultural beliefs with medical advice, and include practical information about accessing culturally sensitive care. This is particularly important for women from migrant and refugee backgrounds who face higher rates of pregnancy complications. If you're considering acupuncture as part of your preconception care, seek a qualified, licensed acupuncturist who has experience working with fertility and women's health.

This qualitative study examined preconception health information needs among women from diverse ethnic backgrounds through virtual workshops with 10 participants from East Asian, South Asian, Central Asian, Middle-Eastern, and African communities. Content analysis of focus group transcripts revealed culturally specific pregnancy preparation practices including consumption of warm foods, acupuncture utilization, and alternative medicine use. Participants reported significant psychosocial stressors related to family expectations, particularly maternal-in-law influence on reproductive decision-making. Information gaps identified included egg freezing, healthcare system navigation, interpreter services, and accessing female providers. Clinical takeaway: Practitioners should recognize acupuncture as a culturally relevant preconception intervention and address the intersection of cultural beliefs, family dynamics, and evidence-based care when treating women from ethnically diverse backgrounds. Preconception counseling should incorporate stress management strategies and provide culturally responsive resources that acknowledge familial involvement in reproductive planning while supporting patient autonomy and health literacy development.