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Preconception care: a systematic review
Carol C Korenbrot1, Alycia Steinberg, Catherine Bender
1Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0936, USA. ckoren@itsa.ucsf.edu
Maternal and Child Health Journal
|July 3, 2002
Summary
Preconception care improves pregnancy outcomes. Evidence supports screening for risks, folate supplements for women of reproductive age, and nutrition services for those with metabolic conditions like diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Reproductive Health
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- The last comprehensive review of preconception care effectiveness was in 1990.
- There is a need to assess accumulated evidence on preconception care interventions since then.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review published research trials on preconception care services.
- To determine the evidence for the effectiveness of preconception care in improving pregnancy course and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review methodology adapted from the Cochrane Collaboration.
- Inclusion of published clinical research literature from January 1990 to July 1999.
- MEDLINE database search for relevant studies.
Main Results:
- 19 research trials across four problem areas met the review criteria.
- Evidence supports screening women for risk conditions during family planning.
- Dietary folate supplementation for sexually active women of reproductive age is effective.
- Nutrition services benefit women with metabolic conditions like diabetes and hyperphenylalanemia.
Conclusions:
- Promoting pregnancy readiness is crucial for improving maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes.
- Ensuring women are healthy and well-nourished before pregnancy is a key recommendation.
- MCH professionals should advocate for preconception health and wellness.