Preconception counseling: make it part of the annual exam

Abstract

Supplementing women's diets with 400 mcg folic acid every day reduces the incidence of neural tube defects in their offspring by up to 72%. Optimizing diabetic glucose control prior to conception is linked to a reduction in birth defects and pregnancy loss. Limiting caffeine consumption to no more than 200 mg per day may reduce the risk of miscarriage.