As human beings begin with two cells - egg and sperm - preconception care is critical for men and women, since this will define the health of the child. Hence, appropriate preconception care for both parties is important to reduce miscarriage risks and improves pregnancy outcomes. It is recommended as a way to provide a variety of medical, nutritional, and educational interventions designed to decrease low birth weight risks and other negative pregnancy outcomes. It is also particularly vital for identifying women who are at risk of preterm birth (Remede Wellness Medicine, 2019). Meanwhile, poor preconception care may result in stunted fetal and newborn development, poor birth outcomes, and long-term cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (Dorney & Black, 2018).
Even though preconception care is largely focused on improving the health of the mother and the child, it also helps adolescents, women, and men, regardless of whether or not they want to become parents (WHO, n.d.).
References:
Dorney, E., & Black, K. I. (2018). Preconception care. Australian Journal of General Practice, 47(7), 424–429. https://doi.org/10.31128/ajgp-02-18-4485
Remede Wellness Medicine. (2019, March 5). The Importance of Preconception Care. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://remede.com.au/the-importance-of-preconception-care/
WHO. (n.d.). Preconception care: Maximizing the gains for maternal and child health. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/documents/preconception_care_policy_brief.pdf