What is it?

Preconception care is a care that aims to maximize the gains for maternal and child health. It is the provision of biomedical, behavioral and social health interventions.

Purpose of preconception care

• Establish lifestyle behaviors to maintain optimum health
• Identify and treat risks
• Conceive a pregnancy without necessary risk factors
• Prepare people psychologically for pregnancy and the responsibilities of parenthood
  

The components of preconception care

• Screening for common medical illnesses during pregnancy
• Supplementing Iron and Folic acid
• Information, counseling and education
• Monitoring nutritional status
• Managing identified health problems
• Promoting physical activity
• Advising on cessation of smoking and alcohol intake 
• Vaccination 
• Continue a regular follow up at a nearby health care service provider