An organized and comprehensive program of health care that identifies and reduces a woman's reproductive risks before conception through risk assessment, health promotion, and interventions. Preconception care programs may be designed to include the male partner in providing counseling and educational information in preparation for fatherhood, such as genetic counseling and testing, financial and family planning, etc. This concept is different from PRENATAL CARE, which occurs during pregnancy.

If you are trying to have a baby or are just thinking about it, it is not too early to prepare for a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby. You should see your health care provider for preconception care. Preconception care is care you receive before you get pregnant. Your health care provider can help you figure out which steps you need to take now, such as: Finding and taking care of any problems that might affect you and your baby later, like diabetes or high blood pressure; Increasing the amount of folic acid you get to prevent neural tube defects; Getting up to date on vaccines; Avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking drugs; Trying to reach a healthy weight. By taking action on health issues before pregnancy, you can prevent many future problems for yourself and your baby. Once you're pregnant, you'll get prenatal care until your baby is born. NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development