title: National recommendations for preconception care: the essential role of the family physician.
abstract: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have published national recommendations for improving preconception health and health care in response to unfavorable aspects of the health status of women and children in the United States. The publication explains that the national recommendations are part of a strategic plan for improving preconception health through the provision of clinical care as well as the promotion of changes in individual behaviors, health policy, and public health strategies. The concept of preconception care has been articulated for well over a decade but has not become part of the routine practice of family medicine. Because all women of reproductive age presenting to the primary care setting are candidates for preconception care, the essential and critical role of family physicians in the provision of preconception care is apparent. As a specialty, we are now challenged to devise ways to effectively translate the concept of preconception care into clinical reality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. amlang@emory.edu
authors.forename: Anne L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Dunlop
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jack
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Frey
mesh_terms: D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010819:Physician's Role; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016742:Preconception Care / Q000592:standards*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D014481:United States