169341 Missed Opportunities to Improve Perinatal Outcomes: Preconception Health and Health Care

Monday, October 27, 2008: 10:30 AM

Hani Atrash, MD, MPH , National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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.

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify a set of proven components of preconception care, supported by strong evidence of effectiveness if delivered before pregnancy 2. Understand the current recommendations related to women's health before and between pregnancies 3. Learn about the opportunities for women's health promotion through preconception care

Keywords: Pregnancy Outcomes, Women's Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have led the CDC initiative on preconception care since 2004
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.