摘要：Despite advances in medicine and universal access to prenatal care, poor perinatal outcomes persist in Canada. Many individuals are not in good health at conception, (1) and ever-growing research suggests that preconception health affects reproductive, maternal, and neonatal health outcomes. (1,2) Preconception health describes the health of all individuals during their reproductive years with a particular focus on reducing risk factors, promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours, and increasing readiness for pregnancy, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or whether or not individuals plan to have children. (3) There is mounting consensus that interventions before conception are necessary to improve perinatal outcomes. (4) Many risk factors for poor birth outcomes, such as lifestyle behaviours, are modifiable in the preconception period with appropriate individual intervention and public policy initiatives. (5-7) Improved preconception health promotes fertility, prevents congenital anomalies, decreases the rate of preterm birth, improves birth weight, and reduces infant and maternal mortality. (1,8-12) However, approximately 50% of pregnancies are unplanned. (13) Every contact between individuals of reproductive age and health care providers in clinical, public health, and community settings is an opportunity to discuss preconception health issues such as chronic medical conditions, mental health, sexual health, environmental exposures, nutrition, immunization, physical activity, lifestyle behaviours, and reproductive life planning. (14-16) The first prenatal appointment, when many of these topics are often addressed, is too late. (17)
