WUNRN

http://www.wunrn.com

 

Women's Health & Education Center - WHEC

http://www.womenshealthsection.com/

Multilingual Website

 

ROLE OF PRECONCEPTION CARE TO IMPROVE PREGNANCY OUTCOMES

 

Scientific evidence indicates that improving a woman’s health before pregnancy will improve pregnancy outcomes. However, for many years, our efforts have focused primarily on prenatal care and on caring for infants after birth. Our WHEC focus this year will be on the concept and practice of preconception care and translating population-based primary prevention data to individual patient care. The bridge between “think population, treat individual” in the instance of preconception care may be as straightforward as asking a single question about pregnancy risk or intent. Yet this simple concept has been difficult to practice on routine basis; the general population does not expect to be asked, and time taken to provide the appropriate counsel to a woman on the basis of her answer in not reimbursed. In some instances, the time that is needed to do these may require a separate counseling visit and more frequent medical visits to treat any conditions that she may have.

 

This year our focus is on developing Practice Bulletins which will soon appear in WomensHealthSection.com, will clearly illustrate the benefits of preconception care to women and their families. However, without some significant changes in the current health care systems, it may remain yet another unrealized opportunity. Please feel free to send us your thoughts and suggestions and join the movement!

 

Preconception care is not a new concept. Despite the broad interest in preconception care, there has been only modest progress in the implementation of these concepts into clinical practice and development of research studies to advance practice. Existing research indicates that most women realize the importance of optimizing their health before pregnancy is planned, and that most physicians think preconception care is important. During the last 20 years, there has been a growing realization that the development of a comprehensive program to assess and modify medical, psychosocial, and behavioral risks before pregnancy could prevent poor pregnancy outcomes for women and infants. This kind of care can help women and couples make decisions regarding the timing of conception and can improve their health in readiness for pregnancy.

 

We invite you to visit WomensHealthSection.com regularly to stay informed and explore the various opportunities through which you can contribute to the work of the Women’s Health and Education Center (WHEC) and the United Nations. We can pass no greater gift to the next generation than a healthier future. That is our vision. 

 

Rita Luthra, MD, President

Women's Health and Education Center (WHEC)

Editor-in-Chief of e-Health Publication

http://www.WomensHealthSection.com

 

WHEC UPDATE

The purpose of WHEC Update is to deepen the knowledge on various issues facing international community, sharpen its focus and act more effectively. The aim of this monthly newsletter is to help keep relevant stakeholders informed on the latest developments and events on the road to the Safe Motherhood. We share information with interested members of civil society on human health and related topics as well as promote partnerships to advance the causes of peace, health and security amongst civil society, the UN and wider international community -- A Grand Collaboration.

 

Available at:  http://www.womenshealthsection.com/content/update/