Preconception care: closing the gap in the continuum of care to accelerate improvements in maternal, newborn and child health.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Preconception care includes any intervention to optimize a woman's health before pregnancy with the aim to improve maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) outcomes. Preconception care bridges the gap in the continuum of care, and addresses pre-pregnancy health risks and health problems that could have negative maternal and fetal consequences. It therefore has potential to further reduce global maternal and child mortality and morbidity, especially in low-income countries where the highest burden of pregnancy-related deaths and disability occurs.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence was conducted to ascertain the possible impact of preconception care for adolescents, women and couples of reproductive age on MNCH outcomes. A comprehensiv

SUBMITTER: Dean SV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4196556 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature