Preconception care: challenge of the new millennium?

Couples who plan their pregnancies can elect anticipatory care with the aim of improved health for mother and child. While it has proved to be beneficial in such specific disorders as maternal diabetes mellitus, preconception care is not yet established as a part of primary care. Preconception care is a form of community genetics and consists of three main components: risk assessment, health promotion, and intervention. Intake of folic acid during the time surrounding conception is important in preventing neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies. Primary care health professionals may be involved in providing preconception care, as may be gynecologists, midwives, nurses, clinical geneticists, and genetic counselors. Several questions arose from a Dutch pilot study. Is there a need for preconception care? Do women want this care? Can positive effects (and cost-effectiveness) be documented? How best are the parents-to-be contacted? Last, but not least, who should provide the care?