Lifestyle related risk factors in a multi-ethnic cohort of pregnant women: preliminary results from the Born in Bradford study

A recent national report found that a quarter of adults in England engaged in three major lifestyle risk factors (from smoking, excessive alcohol use, poor diet and low levels of physical activity).[1] This led the authors to conclude that 'a holistic approach to policy and practice' is required to help people with multiple unhealthy behaviours. A population group that require particular attention are pregnant women where the impact of unhealthy maternal behaviours may also be felt by their unborn baby and their families. A focus on children and families is viewed as the key to building a healthy and sustainable future.[2]