Preconception care is defined as the intervention that focuses on identifying and modifying risks that can affect pregnancy outcomes. Since it involves the parents’ health and overall wellness, preconception care is individualized for both the mother and father. Every person has unique needs hence there should be a specific course of treatment for each one. Through prevention and management, they undergo counseling to detect pre-existing medical, behavioral, and social conditions that may hinder safe motherhood and positive pregnancy outcomes.
According to Genuis (2016), in the environmental domain, two determinants make up the environment sphere: are we getting what we need, and are we being exposed to toxic things. In essence, we must receive the determinants that are essential as well as avoid determinants that are detrimental to our health. This also applies to preconception. Women do not usually start prenatal care until halfway through or towards the end of their first trimester. Much of the important development has already taken place at this point, with the fetus beginning to form all its major organs. Hence, it is vital to not only exhibit precaution since the start of the first critical trimester but also during the preconception period.
Pregnancy is an intricate process as it is very sensitive to the child’s nutritional requirements and vulnerability to environmental hazards. Lack of essential nutrients and unfavorable exposures during these stages of development may cause huge consequences. This includes chromosomal abnormalities, failed fetal development in the utero, and delayed growth and development. Although there are greater impacts inflicted on the fetus, gestation also affects the mother’s wellbeing. Most women feel less optimal during the whole duration of the pregnancy and there will be significant changes that may be too overwhelming. This, in turn, may influence the mother’s physiological, psychological, emotional, and social aspects. Hence, it is recommended to make significant lifestyle changes before conception.
With this, it is important to consider having preconception care that optimizes better outcomes for both the child and mother. Being aware and knowledgeable about the needed information prior to pregnancy increases both parents’ ability to make necessary plans and preparations. Among these is the detection of interventions that are not advisable and are appropriate during pregnancy, taking of medical conditions, dietary, and nutritional histories, as well as providing solutions to various threats.
References:
Genuis, S. J., & Genuis, R. A. (2016). Preconception Care: A New Standard of Care within Maternal Health Services. BioMed Research International, 2016, 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/6150976