Folic acid and preconception health
Examples of preconception interventions that
improve birth outcomes
| Interventions | Associated Outcomes |
| Folic acid supplementation | Reduced incidence of neural tube defects |
| Chronic disease management | |
| Diabetes | Reduced risk of major congenital malformation |
| Hypothyroidism | Improved neurological development and reduced risk of preterm birth and low birth weight |
| Maternal phenylketonuria | Reduced risk of mental retardation |
| Infectious disease management | |
| HIV/AIDS screening | Reduced incidence of transmission to infant |
| Rubella vaccination | Reduced risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and birth defects associated with ongenital rubella syndrome |
| Substance cessation | |
| Tobacco | Reduced risk of preterm birth and low birth weight |
| Alcohol | Reduced risk of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome |
| Teratogenic medication cessation | Reduced risk of birth defects |
**Table courtesy the National Association of County & City Health Officials issue brief; Preconception care: Healthy women today, healthy babies tomorrow.
In June 2005, the CDC and the March of Dimes coordinated a National Summit on Preconception Care. This summit provided an overview of national, state and local level policies and practices that collectively address preconception care issues. Following the meeting, a select panel of national, state and local experts in the delivery of women and infant health convened to develop “a strategic plan for action to improve preconception health through clinical medical care, individual behavior change, community-based public health programs and strategies, and social marketing to change consumer knowledge, attitudes, and practices.” The select panel’s recommendations and associated action steps were released on April 21, 2006. In addition, a special supplement to the June 2006 issue of the Maternal and Child Health Journal focused on preconception care. A second National Summit was held in October 2007 to assess progress and learn about best practice techniques.
In North Carolina, maternal and child health leaders have responded to the CDC’s call to action by engaging in a collaborative process of planning a preconception health strategic plan for the state. “Looking Back, Moving Forward” examines the history of preconception health interventions in North Carolina, highlighting the important role of the Folic Acid Campaign, and provides suggestions for moving forward. Visit mombaby.org if you are interested in participating in the planning or implementation of preconception health programs in your practice or reviewing the report.
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