Discuss how preconception care contributes to healthy pregnancy and positive pregnancy outcomes. Post answers as reply in the discussion forum.
Before the 20th century, maternal complications, including puerperal sepsis, have been threatening the lives of women in the maternity ward. Some determinants behind the health problems include modifiable prenatal factors such as nutrient deficiencies, exposures to certain chemicals, and usage of medications which can be properly managed all throughout the stages of pregnancy; however, if women were given the proper preconception care, these factors could be managed even before conceiving. According to Genuis (2016), the main objective of preconception and prenatal care is to avoid short term and long term problems associated with fetal and obstetrical complications. Proper preconception care includes knowing the appropriate timing of pregnancy, reviewing the reproductive history of the client, medications, infections and immunizations, genetic screening and family history, and nutritional assessment. It contributes to positive pregnancy because it determines potential health concerns which could be managed before getting pregnant. Receiving preconception care would also help the soon-to-be mother to determine what to modify such as diet to prevent diabetes and hypertension, taking specific vitamins, vaccinations, lifestyle (smoking, drug use, alcohol consumption), and weight management. By solving problems before pregnancy, the client can prevent future complications that may compromise the baby and the mother’s health.