[Protecting the unborn child. Information needed long before pregnancy]

The unborn child is at risk from several maternal diseases and behaviors, such as smoking (tobacco and cannabis) and alcohol consumption. Other threats come from maternal infections (AIDS, hepatitis, rubella, toxoplasmosis, etc.), certain medicines, obesity, diabetes, etc. Many young women of child-bearing potential are unaware of these risks, and need to be informed well before they conceive. Healthcare professionals must be trained to provide this information, notably during preconceptional consultations. The first examination should take place during the first month of pregnancy (rather than before the third month at present), given the risks of early embryonic and fetal damage. This is not just a question of public health but also a social issue, as the lack of information is most flagrant among the poor. Everything must be done to ensure that all children have the best possible chance of growing up in good health.