Preconception care: a health promotion opportunity.

Prenatal care is recognized as a valuable intervention to improve pregnancy outcomes. Preconception care can further enhance pregnancy outcomes by optimizing health during the most critical period of organogenesis, the 17 to 56 days after conception. The goal of preconception care is to reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity. The research data supporting preconception care is limited, but it has been proven to reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity in certain populations. Preconception care is most cost-effectively provided as an integral part of primary care services during routine health promotion. It may be introduced during routine health screening, through patient education literature, and in group health promotion classes. Preconception care includes a comprehensive health history and physical exam with initiation of health promotion interventions prior to conception. Outlined in this paper are guidelines for preconception care with a table summarizing assessment, interventions, and patient education. A preconception assessment tool and patient handout are also included.