The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with more than 35 federal, public and private partners, recently released national recommendations designed to encourage women to take steps toward good health before becoming pregnant. The recommendations for preconception care were published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Recommendations and Reports.

"The child-bearing years are an exciting time in a woman’s life and there are a number of steps they can take to be healthy, benefiting both them and their future child," said CDC Director Julie Gerberding, MD, MPH. "For instance, even before pregnancy, women of child-bearing age should see their doctor about controlling existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and eating disorders. They should take 400 micrograms of folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects and avoid smoking or drinking alcohol."

The recommendations on preconception health and health care identify more than a dozen risk factors and conditions that require interventions before pregnancy to be effective. Among developed nations, the United States is ranked number 26 in infant mortality.  If implemented, the recommendations can help improve the health of babies and their mothers. 

The full recommendations on preconception care are available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr and for more information on preconception care, go to http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd.