Discuss how preconception care contributes to healthy pregnancy and positive pregnancy outcomes. Post answers as reply in the discussion forum.
Preconception care or care concerning the fetus in particular is one of the most vital factors affecting pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes alongside maternal care. Just like with maternal care, health determinants of the fetus and necessary precautions are vital in preventing abnormalities, health problems, or potential termination of pregnancy and should be given just as much consideration. Genuis and Genuis (2015) emphasize the importance of education for prospective parents to recognize preconception care as most have been found to take the necessary measures in maximizing positive pregnancy outcomes in this regard. It thus follows that awareness and acknowledgement of preconception care is the first and most important step in actualizing this care. As for preconception care itself, they found that aspects of preconception care such as ensuring adequate nutrition of the fetus and avoiding exposure to or ingestion of toxicants are essential considering that many obstetrical complications, pediatric chronic diseases, and possibly genetic mutations are rooted in deficiencies in certain nutrients - most commonly vitamin D, magnesium, and DHA - and exposure to disease-inducing toxic chemicals found in air pollution, occupational products, insecticides, heavy metals, electromagnetic radiation, nanoparticles, and potentially GMOs. Putting these risk factors to light and informing prospective parents of them contributes greatly to ensuring healthy pregnancy and positive pregnancy outcomes especially when coupled with adequate maternal care.
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