The National Summit on Preconception Care took place on June 21-22, 2005, in Atlanta. The summit will serve as the catalyst for developing national recommendations for preconception care. Topics included:
- The evidence-base and science of preconception care
- Genomics
- Policy and finance
- Clinical practice
- Disparities
- Serving special populations
- Global strategies
Did You Know?
- Most perinatal risk factors can be identified in the preconception period.
- Each year, hundreds of thousands of women give birth without the benefit of preconception interventions.
- At least 12 sentinel indicators for preconception care—evidence-based and in existing guidelines—are available for public health surveillance.
- Preconception care is based on, but is more focused and specific than, routine well-woman health care.
What Is the Challenge?
While past achievements in public health and medical care have greatly improved pregnancy outcomes, we can do more to assure optimal health for mothers and infants. Prevention strategies before conception can further improve pregnancy outcomes.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that “All health encounters during a woman’s reproductive years, particularly those that are a part of preconception care, should include counseling on appropriate medical care and behavior to optimize pregnancy outcomes."
ACOG and AAP have grouped the main components of preconception care under four categories of interventions:
- Maternal assessment (e.g., family history, behaviors, obstetric history, general physical exam)
- Vaccinations (e.g., rubella, varicella and hepatitis B)
- Screening (e.g., HIV, STDs, genetic disorders)
- Counseling (e.g., folic acid consumption, smoking and alcohol cessation, weight management)
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted the conference. The March of Dimes served on the planning committee.
