title: Preconception care in international settings.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This literature review briefly describes international programs, policies, and activities related to preconception care and resulting pregnancy outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Electronic databases were searched and findings supplemented with secondary references cited in the original articles as well as textbook chapters, declarations, reports, and recommendations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-two articles, book chapters, declarations, and other published materials were reviewed. Policies, programs, and recommendations related to preconceptional health promotion exist worldwide and comprise a readily identifiable component of historic and modern initiatives pertaining to women's health, reproductive freedom, and child survival.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The integration of preconception care services within a larger maternal and child health continuum of care is well aligned with a prevention-based approach to enhancing global health.
authors.affiliation: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-E87, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA. sboulet@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Sheree L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Boulet
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: Hani
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Atrash
mesh_terms: D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D038622:Internationality; D008429:Maternal Welfare; D018743:Perinatal Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016742:Preconception Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015397:Program Evaluation