Preparation for pregnancy: a health promotion program

A primary goal of prenatal care has been to decrease morbidity and mortality rates of newborns. Although much emphasis has been given to the need for early prenatal care and for intensive care for high risk newborns, even more progress could be made if risks were reduced prior to pregnancy. Two critical areas where changes could strongly impact newborn health are environmental influences and lifestyle behaviors. Nurse practitioners especially are in a key position to identify and encourage women to adopt behaviors which will promote an optimal state of health before becoming pregnant.