Preconception Health
Preconception health refers to the health of women and
men during their reproductive years, which are the years they can
have a child. It focuses on taking steps now to protect the health
of a baby they might have sometime in the future.
However, all women and men can benefit from preconception
health, whether or not they plan to have a baby one day. This is
because part of preconception health is about people getting and
staying healthy overall, throughout their lives. In addition, no
one expects an unplanned pregnancy. But it happens often. In fact,
about half of all pregnancies in the United States are not
planned.
Did you know?
There have been important advances in medicine
and prenatal care in recent years. Despite these advances, birth
outcomes are worse in the United States than in many other
developed countries. Many babies are born early or have low
birthweight. Among some groups of people, the problems actually are
getting worse. Preconception health and preconception health care
can make a difference.
Preconception Health Care
Preconception health care is the medical care a woman
or man receives from the doctor or other health professionals that
focuses on the parts of health that have been shown to increase the
chance of having a healthy baby.
Preconception health care is different for every person, depending
on his or her unique needs. Based on a person’s individual health,
the doctor or other health care professional will suggest a course
of treatment or follow-up care as needed. If your health care
provider has not talked with you about this type of care―ask about
it!
Healthy Women
Preconception health is important for every woman―not just those
planning pregnancy. It means taking control and choosing healthy
habits. It means living well, being healthy, and feeling good about
your life. Preconception health is about making a plan for the
future and taking the steps to get there!
I want to get ready for
pregnancy »
I’m not even thinking about
pregnancy »
Healthy Men
Preconception health is important for men, too. It means
choosing to get and stay as healthy as possible―and helping others
to do the same as well. As a partner, it means encouraging and
supporting the health of your partner. As a father, it means
protecting your children. Preconception health is about providing
yourself and your loved ones with a bright and healthy future.
Information for men »
Healthy Babies
Preconception health is a precious gift to babies. For babies,
preconception health means their parents took steps to get healthy
before pregnancy. Such babies are less likely to be born early
(preterm) or have a low birthweight. They are more likely to be
born without birth defects or other disabling conditions.1 Preconception
health gives babies the best gift of all―the best chance for a
healthy start in life.
Learn more about how to help
keep you and your baby healthy and safe »
Healthy Families
Ensuring preconception health is a great way to create a healthy
family. The health of a family relies on the health of the people
in the family. Taking care of your health now will help to ensure a
better quality of life for yourself and your family in the coming
years.
Learn more about family health »
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommendations to
improve preconception health and health care—United States. MMWR
Recommendations and Reports. 2006;55(RR-06):1–23.