Discuss how preconception care contributes to healthy pregnancy and positive pregnancy outcomes. Post answers as reply in the discussion forum.
Technological advancement and the development of proper, sterile interventions in childbirth has drastically reduced mother and fetal deaths in maternity wards. However, the new century also brought about the rise of preventable childhood disorders, evidenced by the rise in pediatric chronic illness, increased rates of autism, increased in chromosomal abnormalities, which may all be linked to improper preconception care (Genius, 2016).
Preconception of care, referring to medical care that a woman or man receives from their doctor, focuses on adult health during their reproductive years. Although usually consulted when planning for families, preconception health can be adapted even before a couple decides to conceive. This individualized approach to health ensures that adults are healthy and birth outcomes are positive.
Adapting to preconception healthcare is a means to modifying the determinants that have the potential to hinder the development of maternal and child health. It is a plan to address the proper requirements for a healthy pregnancy such as proper nutrition, avoiding teratogens, and recognizing the economic, emotional and social costs that these disorders will cause.
Preconception care also addresses common activities that can lead to improper growth of the fetus. Among them are: (1) Not receiving prenatal care until near the end of the first trimester; (2) Not making significant lifestyle changes during the first trimester; (3) Implementing interventions such as specific immunizations, detoxification during pregnancy; (4) Not addressing medical conditions and activities (smoking, alcohol/drug use, etc.). Preconception care is the means to inform and educate the mother or couple regarding their pregnancy and overall promote the well-being of the child.
References.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2020) Preconception Health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/preconception/overview.html
Genius, SJ (May 2016) Preconception Care: A New Standard of Care within Maternal Health Services. BioMed Research International. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/6150976