Preconception Counseling: Identifying Ways to Improve Services

Abstract

Objective The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the maternal conditions for which preconception services are provided and the routine services and recommendations offered through the Maternal Fetal Medicine group at the University of Colorado (CU). The study sought to determine how services and recommendations differ by maternal condition, demographics, and reproductive health history. Materials and Methods Charts of patients who received preconception counseling through the CU MFM department during 2018 were reviewed to evaluate maternal conditions and the type of counseling patients received. Patients were grouped by their referral reason and subsequently by counseling recommendations to either proceed with immediate conception, defer immediate conception pending completion of further recommendations or to not conceive. Results Of the fifty-nine patients referred to preconception counseling, 52% (n = 31) of the women were referred for maternal disease, 40% (n = 24) for infertility, 32% (n = 19) for previous poor obstetric outcomes, 30% (n = 18) for advanced maternal age and finally, 15% (n = 9) for gynecologic anatomic abnormalities. Conclusion During the initial evaluation, 58% (n = 34) of patients were determined to have no concern for immediate conception while 7% (n = 4) were ultimately advised to not conceive. Using this data, we identified areas of preconception counseling that standardization will improve by ensuring patients receive comparable services and advice.

Effectiveness of Pre-Mommy Applications to Improving Knowledge, Behavior, and Psychological Conditions in The Preconception Period Women of Reproductive Age

“…Likewise respondents with a high level of anxiety before the intervention, to mild anxiety after the intervention (2%). Conducted to other studies 74% of respondents who had received treatment in the form of preconception counseling did not experience changes in anxiety levels (Burrows et al, 2022). A good psychological condition for the mother in dealing with pregnancy is very beneficial for preventing malnutrition, preparing the body for changes during pregnancy, reducing stress and preventing obesity, reducing the risk of miscarriage, premature labor, low birth weight, and sudden fetal death, and preventing the effects of problematic health conditions during pregnancy.…”

“…These interventions, while extending their reach to a diverse demographic, adeptly safeguard the privacy of individuals when divulging risky behaviors (Cassinelli et al, 2023). A noteworthy example hails from Italy, where a preconception counseling initiative has effectively heightened awareness and inculcated preconceptional behaviors, including the prudent consumption of folic acid supplementation (Burrows et al, 2022).…”

“…Furthermore, the ambit of preconception care stands poised for a revolutionary overhaul through the conception, execution, and evaluation of innovative technological facets encompassing social media, mobile applications, and other avant-garde digital solutions (Burrows et al, 2022). The Premommy application emerges as a pioneering electronic media innovation within this transformative landscape.…”