Provision of preconception care is vital not just for maternal health but also for the child's health. This contributes to the factors that affect pregnancy. It is recommended to have an ideal nutritional status when trying to conceive a child and during pregnancy, as it affects the child's development. The mother should have enough nutrients to support both her and the child's health. Factors such as deficiencies in nutrients (Folate Deficiency, DHA Deficiency, Magnesium Deficiency, etc.), alcohol, nicotine, and illicit drugs, and exposure to toxicants can directly affect the development of the fetus. Thus, preconception care encompasses the health teaching that would reduce the risk of health problems to the mother and the offspring like open neural tube defects, miscarriage, and other illnesses caused by inadequate nutrients and environmental factors. Educating the parents and providing interventions for preconception care can help them circumvent their engagement in harmful activities that can harm both the child-bearing mother and the offspring. For instance, the risks of having Folate Deficiency are open neural tube defects, miscarriage, and Down's syndrome. With the help of some studies to avoid abnormalities, efforts should be made to support nutritional status by supplementation. Furthermore, certain foods and supplements should be taken with caution.
Preconception care will discuss what the mother can do to lead to their positive health outcomes and optimal well-being. This would include precautionary measures to chemical exposures and radiations, adequate nutritional support, and ensuring a healthy fetal biome. It is helpful to implement preconception care as conception or pregnancy is delicate, mainly to detoxify contaminants. Failure to comply with the care can affect the development and health of both the mother and the child. It is always believed that "Prevention is better than cure."
References:
Preconception Care: A New Standard of Care within Maternal Health Services. (n.d.). Hindawi. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2016/6150976/