Preconception health care is care given to a woman before pregnancy to manage conditions and behaviors that could be a risk to her or her baby. There are many topics covered under preconception care.

Folic acid supplements to prevent neural tube defects.

Rubella vaccinations to prevent Congenital Rubella Syndrome.

Detecting and treating existing health conditions to prevent complications in the mother, and reduce the risk of birth defects:

o Diabetes

o Hypothyroidism

o HIV/AIDS

o Hepatitis B

o PKU

o Hypertension

o Blood diseases

o Eating disorders

Reviewing medications that can affect the fetus or the mother, such as epilepsy medicine, blood thinners, and some medicines used to treat acne, such as Accutane.

Reviewing a woman's pregnancy history – has she lost a baby before?

Stopping smoking to reduce the risk of low birth weight

Eliminating alcohol consumption to prevent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and other complications.

Family planning counseling to avoid unplanned pregnancies.

Counseling to promote healthy behaviors such as appropriate weight, nutrition, exercise, oral health. Counseling can help a woman avoid substance abuse and toxic substances. It can help women and couples understand genetic risks, mental health issues (such as depression), and intimate partner domestic violence.

Good preconception health care is about managing current health conditions. By taking action on health issues BEFORE pregnancy, future problems for the mother and baby can be prevented. Preconception health care must be tailored to each individual woman. It means helping women and their partners reduce risks and get ongoing care. Men and other family members are also very important in supporting the goals of preconception health.