title: Family planning services: an essential component of preconception care.
abstract: Family planning services are necessary for the widespread adoption of preconception care for two reasons. First, preconception care is more likely if pregnancies are planned, and family planning services encourage pregnancy planning. Second, family planning services usually include counseling, and counseling provides an opportunity to discuss the advantages of preconception care. However, the potential of family planning services to promote preconception care is limited by underutilization of these services and inadequate attention to preconception care during family planning visits. This article suggests ways to reduce these problems.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Child, Youth and Family Policy, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Mailstop 035, PO Box 549110, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454-9110, USA. klerman@brandeis.edu
authors.forename: Lorraine V
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Klerman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D016742:Preconception Care / Q000191:economics; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000191:economics; D014481:United States