Preconception care in mental health services: planning for a better future.

It is increasingly recognised that the preconception period is a window of opportunity to intervene to improve outcomes for women and the next generation. The importance of preconception mental health and comorbidity problems has not traditionally been taken into account by policy makers or mental health service providers. We argue that by addressing preconception physical and mental health in men and women, medical health professionals could improve health outcomes across the whole life course.