Summer Spotlight: Preconception Care

To spotlight another important topic within women’s health this summer, read on to discover the important steps women can take before conception!

What is Preconception Care?

Preconception care refers to the steps that women can take to be in a healthy state to undergo pregnancy. This can include understanding the risk factors of pregnancy and ensuring that one’s body can provide the essential nutrients and a nurturing environment for an unborn baby.

Care can include understanding the recommended diet for pregnant mothers or checking to ensure that a mother is not taking any medications that could harm their baby. Other forms of care include comprehending one’s medical issues, such as diabetes, which can impact pregnancy.

How Can Someone Improve Their Preconception Health?

Both men and women must take measures to improve their health before becoming sexually active as well as when they are attempting to conceive. It is recommended that such steps are taken at least three months before conception.

• One preventive measure that women can engage in is taking 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid per day. This can help to lower the risk of brain or spine birth defects. Doctors can also prescribe multivitamins with higher levels of folic acid.
• Women should also stop smoking and drinking alcohol before confirming their pregnancy.
• Certain conditions such as diabetes, obesity, epilepsy, and asthma can affect pregnancy, so it is important to ensure that these are under control before conception.
• Ensure that any medications that one is taking are safe for an unborn baby. This can include prescriptions and daily supplements.
• Avoid environments that could put one into contact with any toxic chemicals or substances that can cause infection.
• Make sure that the prospective mother is up to date on her vaccinations.
• Genetic counseling is also one aspect of preconception care. If a couple undergoes screening, they can become aware of any possible heritable diseases that could be passed onto a baby. This allows a prospective mother to make informed decisions about continuing to try for a baby.
• Ensuring a state of overall stable or positive mental health, as pregnancy can be emotionally taxing on an expecting mother.

Why is Preconception Care Important?

This concept is crucial it can lead to better maternal and fetal health outcomes during and after pregnancy. The health of a mother can significantly affect the health of her unborn and later living child. Certain processes are vital for embryonic growth and can occur even before a woman is aware of her pregnancy, making it crucial that she keeps her body in optimal condition to develop a healthy baby.

Proper preconception care can lower the risk of pregnancy complications and birth defects while also ensuring the healthy development of the child in the long run. It also allows for a mother to remain strong during and after pregnancy.

Sources:

Khekade, Harshal, et al. “Preconception Care: A Strategic Intervention for the Prevention of Neonatal and Birth Disorders.” Cureus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 29 June 2023, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10386873/.

Lulla, Dr. N Sapna. “Preconception Care – A Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy.” Aster Hospitals, http://www.asterhospitals.in/blogs-events-news/aster-cmi-bangalore/preconception-care-guide-healthy-pregnancy. Accessed 3 July 2025.

“Preconception Health: Office on Women’s Health.” OASH | Office on Women’s Health, womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/you-get-pregnant/preconception-health. Accessed 3 July 2025.

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