Preconception care. An integral part of primary care for women

Preconception health care should be an integral part of primary health care services for all women with the potential for childbearing. This article delineates those aspects of preconception care that should be included in a well woman visit. Specific interventions for risks identified in the preconception health care visit are reviewed. Finally, the importance of preconception health care in reducing poor perinatal outcome and promoting overall good health is discussed.