Advancing preconception health in the United States: strategies for change

Sarah  Verbiest; Erin  McClain; Suzanne  Woodward

doi:10.1080/03009734.2016.1204395

Sarah Verbiest National Preconception Health and Health Care Initiative, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Center for Maternal and Infant Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; and School of Social Work, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2491-1170
Erin McClain National Preconception Health and Health Care Initiative, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; and Center for Maternal and Infant Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2521-4342
Suzanne Woodward National Preconception Health and Health Care Initiative, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; and Center for Maternal and Infant Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2117-0004

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03009734.2016.1204395

Keywords: Family planning, infant mortality, interconception, life planning, maternal mortality, preconception, reproductive health, preconception care, preconception health

Abstract

In January 2015, the US Preconception Health and Health Care Initiative (PCHHC) established a new national vision that all women and men of reproductive age will achieve optimal health and wellness, fostering a healthy life course for them and any children they may have. Achieving this vision presents both challenges and opportunities. This manuscript describes the reasons why the US needs to prioritize preconception health as well as its efforts historically to advance change. The authors share lessons from past work and current strategies in the US to reach this ambitious goal.

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