Statistics shed light on preconception
The following is a selection of statistical information and commentary on preconception from research studies and health organizations:• The preconception visit may be the single most important health care visit when viewed in the context of its effect on pregnancy. It is logical to anticipate that the correction of conditions prior to conception would improve the outcome of pregnancy. Source: U.S. Public Health Service Expert Panel on the Content of Prenatal Care, 1989.
• Each year, approximately 4,000 infants with neural tube defects are born in the United States. Neural tube defects can cause serious disability and death. One of the most common neural tube defects occurs when the spine of the fetus fails to close (spina bifida). Estimated annual medical/surgical costs in the United States for all people with Spina Bifida exceeds $200 million. Source: Centers For Disease Control, Economic burden of spina bifida, 1980-1990. MMWR 1989; 38:264-267.
• In a study population, daily supplements of folic acid starting before conception and continuing throughout the first three months of pregnancy prevented 71% of the recurrences of neural tube defects. Source: Khoury MJ, Erickson JD, James LM. Etiologic heterogeneity of neural tube defects; clues from epidemiology. AM J Epidemiol 1982; 115:538-48.
• The most vulnerable time of development for a fetus is 17 to 56 days after conception when the organs and the brain are forming. Source: The March of Dimes, 1995. A seminar titled "A Baby in Your Future? Preparing for Pregnancy." Part of the March of Dimes’ Babies + You prenatal health promotion program.
• Perinatal experts say that healthier women are more likely to produce healthy babies. These experts stress the importance of preconception care to identify potential health issues and control known conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, preconception counseling related to lifestyle issues such as alcohol, drug, or tobacco use prevent developmental problems from occurring during the very important first few weeks of infant development. Source: Public Health Service Expert Panel, 1989; Perinatal Health: Strategies for the 21st Century.
• The father’s health status and health habits can have an effect on the health of his child. A father’s exposure to chemicals such as mercury or lead can damage his reproductive system and increase chances of infertility, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Source: March of Dimes, 1995. Men have babies too . . . A guide for fathers to be. White Plains, NY.
• One of the national health promotion and disease prevention objectives calls for an increase to at least 60% of the proportion of primary care providers who provide preconception care and counseling to ensure that couples are healthy prior to pregnancy. Source: Healthy People 2000: National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1990. Washington, DC.
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