Healthy Start Stories |
Romy Gaillard
Lifestyle and parenting: ‘How do we guide expectant parents towards a healthy lifestyle so that every child can develop optimally?‘
The very first stage of human development is crucial. For example, early in pregnancy, the heart, brain, kidneys, liver and digestive system are formed. It is an unique and at the same time vulnerable period. Fortunately, this early development usually goes well. But sometimes the first stages of development may be disrupted. For example, due to an error in the genetic material or because of an unhealthy lifestyle of the parents-to-be. How do we ensure that the first weeks of pregnancy are as healthy as possible? This is what Romy Gaillard, pediatrician at Erasmus MC and Ambition Lead at Healthy Start, is focused on with her research.
“It remains fascinating that a complete human being can grow from the fusion of an egg cell and a sperm cell. I am especially intrigued by the first weeks of pregnancy. During that period, development of the embryo proceeds at lightning speed and the foundations are laid for everything we need for the rest of our lives. Fortunately, this development usually goes well, but complications may occur. One crucial factor is the lifestyle of the future parents. It is known that smoking, alcohol and obesity can be harmful to the developing embryo. Still, about 10% of pregnant women smoke, and even 50% of women occasionally drink alcohol during pregnancy. This entails risks. In the worst case, the placenta or unborn child may not develop optimally. As a result, miscarriage may occur or the development of the child can be suboptimal from a very young age onwards. As a pediatrician and researcher, I want to know how we can reduce these risks. How can we guide parents towards a healthy lifestyle so that every child has the opportunity to develop optimally?”
About 10% of pregnant women smoke and 50% of women occasionally drink alcohol during pregnancy
Broad interest
“I have always had an interest in the human body and so I chose to study medicine. During my studies, I decided to do an extra research master’s program. I wanted to learn more about scientific research and that’s how I got involved in the Generation R Study; a large-scale research program on the development of children in Rotterdam. My research is focused on the impact of obesity, and related lifestyle, nutritional and metabolic factors of parents-to-be on the development of their unborn child.”
The realization that we, as doctors, can make an important contribution to the future of a child is something very special to me time and time again
“Recently, I started working as an academic pediatrician at the Sophia Children’s Hospital at the Medium Care department. Children from 0 to 18 years old who suffer from different medical problems and diseases can be admitted to this ward. The length of stay of the children on the ward varies: some recover within a few days, while others need care for weeks. The realization that we, as doctors, can make an important contribution to the well-being and future of a child, is something very special to me time and time again.
Next to my clinical work, I am still focused on research. In recent years, together with fellow researchers, I have increasingly focused the importance of the preconception period for long-term health of offspring. This means that expectant parents receive care and guidance even before conception and in the early phase of pregnancy with the aim of optimizing the health for both parents and the future child. Unique in our approach is that we also actively involve the fathers. Traditionally, pregnancy care focuses mainly on women, but the father’s lifestyle is also crucial. Not only because sperm quality is important for good fertilization, but also because it can be difficult for pregnant women to give up unhealthy habits, such as smoking, if their partner continues to do so.”
Bringing strengths and knowledge together
“Recently I started as an Ambition Lead at Healthy Start. I am involved in Ambition 1, focused on the first 1000 days and a resilient life course. A research focus that fits perfectly with my background. In this Ambition, we build on existing research projects to answer new research questions. Within the Erasmus Medical Center, Erasmus University and TU Delft, a lot of research is already being done into this important phase of life. Through this so-called ‘transdisciplinary collaboration’, we can join together to tackle important new questions and challenges.”
In Ambition 1, we build on existing knowledge and projects to tackle important new questions and challenges through transdisciplinary collaborations
“In Ambition Project 1, we focus on various themes. First of all, we explore the potential of big data analyses in the first 1000 days of life for improved risk selection from the start of life onwards. The Netherlands has a wealth of data on pregnant women, partners and their children, including images such as echography. We are investigating how we can make better use of this data. To this end, there is close collaboration between researchers from the Erasmus Medical Center, TU Delft and the Municipality of Rotterdam.
Secondly, we are focused on the normalization of pregnancy in our society. How can we achieve that? And what do different stakeholders think is needed to achieve this goal? For example, are better leave arrangements possible for parents-to-be and what would be their impact?
Finally, we focus on the cost-effectiveness of prevention programs in the first 1000 days, of life. As researchers and physicians, we are convinced that the preconception care is important. Of course, a key question is whether the benefits of prevention programs outweigh the costs. In order to obtain a good analysis of this, we work together with scientists in the field of health economics.”
Healthy Start starts to ‘buzz’
“I think it’s really impressive that three leading scientists have managed to set up a consortium, as large as Healthy Start. I think it is an unique opportunity to address critical questions and to more efficiently collaborate across disciplines.”
It is special to see that Healthy Start is reaching an ever-growing audience
“All in all, I think it’s special to see how Healthy Start is increasingly the topic of conversation and reaches a larger audience. I notice an increasing ‘buzz’ around our work and that growing interest in Healthy Start is a source of energy for me.”
Romy Gaillard’s Healthy Start Perspective
“I hope that we can improve care in the first 1000 days of life by combining our knowledge and strengths. At the moment, there are major opportunities left untouched. It is crucial that we reach our target groups, at the most critical time periods, and that we can support them in achieving a healthy lifestyle. This requires close collaboration, not only with fellow scientists, but also with various healthcare professionals, child health clinics and municipalities. By working together, I believe we can improve our care in the first 1000 days of life to give every child the best possible start of life.”
The more people who participate at Healthy Start, the better research we can do and the more children we can help. Do you feel involved in this topic? Then join our community. Follow our LinkedIn or share your ideas by mail: healthystart@convergence.nl