Optimizing preconception care and interventions for improved population health

There is growing literature indicating that optimal preconception health is associated with improved reproductive, perinatal, and pe-diatric outcomes. Given that preconception care is recommended for all individuals planning a pregnancy, medical providers and public health practitioners have a unique opportunity to optimize care and improve health outcomes for reproductive-aged individuals. Knowledge of the determinants of preconception health is important for all types of health professionals, including policy makers. Although some evidence-based recommendations have already been implemented, additional research is needed to identify factors associated with favorable health outcomes and to ensure that effective interventions are made in a timely fashion. Given the largely clinical readership of this journal, this piece is primarily focused on clinical care. However, we acknowledge that optimizing precon-ception health for the entire population at risk of pregnancy requires broadening our strategies to include population-health interven-tions that consider the larger social systems, structures, and policies that shape individual health outcomes. (Fertil Steril & REG; 2023;120: 438-48. & COPY;2022 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)

Automated summary

There is growing evidence that optimal preconception health is associated with better reproductive, perinatal, and pediatric outcomes. Preconception care is recommended for all individuals planning pregnancy, providing an opportunity for medical providers and public health practitioners to improve health outcomes. Understanding the determinants of preconception health is important for all healthcare professionals and policymakers, and further research is needed to identify factors associated with positive health outcomes and ensure timely interventions. This article primarily focuses on clinical care, but recognizes the importance of population-health interventions considering larger social systems, structures, and policies in optimizing preconception health for individuals at risk of pregnancy.