Missed Opportunities to Improve Perinatal Outcomes: Preconception Health and Health Care

While past public health achievements have greatly improved pregnancy outcomes, perinatal problems still occur. Substantial evidence exists that promoting the health and wellness of women and couples prior to pregnancy and reducing risks through behavioral modification translate into more favorable outcomes.

Efforts to promote preconception care in the United States started over 30 years ago with many professional organizations having published recommendations and clinical practice guidelines. However, most providers do not offer preconception services, most consumers are not aware of the importance of preconception health and do not seek advice and services in the preconception period, and most insurers do not pay for such services when provided.

In partnership with over 40 federal, state, local and professional organizations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched the Preconception Health and Health Care Initiative in 2004. Working together, the groups have developed and published Recommendations for Preconception Health and Health Care, developed strategies for the implementation of the recommendations, planned and held two National Summits on Preconception Health and Health Care, published a special supplement of the Maternal and Child Health Journal, and are currently working on two journal supplements on the issues on policy and finance and another on the clinical content of preconception care.

This presentation will provide an overview of the Preconception Health and Health Care Initiative and an update of the national efforts to promote preconception care as the new standard of care to enhance current interventions to improve pregnancy outcomes for women and infants.