Preconception Counseling

Excerpt

The primary goals of preconception counseling and care are to educate individuals and couples, assess risks, optimize medical care, and offer interventions before pregnancy to minimize the likelihood of poor pregnancy-related outcomes. Nearly half of all pregnancies that occur annually are unplanned. Therefore, any encounter with a nonpregnant individual of reproductive potential should be considered an opportunity to discuss healthy habits. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends screening these individuals by asking, "Would you like to become pregnant in the next year?" If so, preconception counseling is recommended; otherwise, contraceptive counseling is recommended. Additionally, specific visits dedicated to preconception counseling should be recommended to all individuals desiring a pregnancy.