Preconception care in international settings.
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.
Boulet
Sheree L
SL
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
Parker
Christopher
C
Atrash
Hani
H
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