Preconception Counseling in Primary Care Setting

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Preconception counseling is an important step in planning a pregnancy. It improves women’s reproductive health and increases the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. This article provides a detailed overview of the key issues to discuss with a primary care physician before trying to conceive, including plans to have children, current physical health status (such as chronic diseases and medication use), mental health status, and genetic status. Preconception counseling should include a timely medical examination to identify and address potential risks for future children. Special attention should be given to the preconception management of chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and epilepsy. The article emphasized the important roles of psychological support and genetic counseling to minimize risks and prevent possible complications. In addition, the article discusses preventive measures such as infection screening, vaccinations, and lifestyle changes, including efforts to combat obesity and bad habits. These efforts should create optimal conditions for conception and healthy pregnancy. Therefore, preconception counseling is crucial to maintain women’s reproductive health and ensure the safety of expectant mothers and their children.