Why are there new recommendations on preconception health now?
Despite important advances in medicine and prenatal care in recent years, many babies in the United States are born prematurely or at low birth weight. Experts agree that the best way to improve the health of mothers and babies is for women to be in a good state of health before becoming pregnant. The new recommendations have been developed by local, state, and federal government agencies, with help from national medical organizations and groups such as the March of Dimes. They offer guidance to individuals and their families, health care providers, educators, planners, and policy makers. The goal is to improve the health of women so that babies can be born healthier in the future. Learn more.
