Preconception care by the nonobstetrical provider

Mayo Clin Proc. 2002 May;77(5):469-73. doi: 10.4065/77.5.469.

Abstract

Clinicians who provide health care to women during their childbearing years have the opportunity to affect pregnancy outcomes positively through preconception care. The goal of preconception care is to identify medical and social conditions that may put the mother or fetus at risk. Key elements include screening for certain infectious diseases, obtaining genetic history, updating immunizations, providing specific nutritional advice, and optimizing health status. Some women, and their partners, may require additional care, including a prepregnancy consultation with an obstetrician or maternal-fetal medicine specialist. The clinician can also offer advice that may enhance conception and encourage either early prenatal care when a pregnancy is achieved or early evaluation for infertility.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Congenital Abnormalities / etiology
  • Congenital Abnormalities / prevention & control
  • Diet
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Personnel / standards*
  • Humans
  • Infection Control
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Preconception Care / methods*
  • Preconception Care / standards*
  • Risk Factors