Innovations in Preconception Care: Optimizing Health for All Individuals

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Reproductive Health
• Healthcare Innovation

Background:

• Maternal and infant mortality rates are rising in the U.S. despite high expenditures.
• Significant racial and ethnic disparities persist in perinatal health outcomes.
• Preconception care offers a strategy to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize recent evidence-based innovations in preconception care.
• To identify strategies for improving preconception health and counseling.
• To highlight the role of midwives in implementing equitable care.

Main Methods:

• State of the Science review synthesizing existing literature.
• Focus on recent, evidence-based innovations in preconception care.
• Exploration of strategies for clinician and consumer partnership.

Main Results:

• Innovations include group care, health apps, EHR reminders, social marketing, and policy changes.
• Integration into primary, reproductive, and mental health care is feasible.
• Public and clinician education is crucial for effective implementation.

Conclusions:

• Improving preconception health requires consumer-clinician partnership.
• Innovative strategies can enhance the reach and effectiveness of preconception care.
• Equitable implementation of preconception care is essential for reducing disparities.