Setting research priorities for preconception care in low- and middle-income countries: aiming to reduce maternal and child mortality and morbidity

Abstract

Preconception care means providing care before pregnancy is established. Women and couples of reproductive age are generally unaware of the effects that their own health conditions and health-related behaviors may have on the fetus during pregnancy. Although antenatal care is set in the maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) continuum [1], it neglects the most critical time of embryonic development, which often occurs before a woman even knows she is pregnant [2]. The evidence increasingly points to earlier care before pregnancy to improve women´s health, and better pregnancy outcomes for the mother and newborn.