Indian Academy of Pediatrics Consensus Guidelines on Preconception Care

Indian Pediatr. 2024 Apr 15;61(4):305-320.ABSTRACTJUSTIFICATION: The preconception period is the earliest window of opportunity to ensure optimal human development. Pregnancy and childbirth outcomes can be improved by interventions offered to support the health and well-being of women and couples prior to conception. Thus, preconception care is essential in preparing for the first thousand days of life. Adolescence, the stage of life that typically comes before the preconception stage, is characterized by various high-risk behaviors like substance abuse, sexual experimentation, injuries, obesity, and mental health issues which can adversely affect their health in adult life. Thus, a Consensus Guideline for pediatricians on providing preconception care to adolescents and young adults can go a long way in making the generations to come, healthier and more productive.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of these recommendations is to formulate an evidence-based Consensus Statement that can serve as a guidance for medical professionals to provide preconception care for young adults and adolescents.INTENDED USERS: All obstetric, pediatric, and adolescent health care providers.TARGET POPULATION: Adolescents and young adults.PROCESS: A large proportion of adolescents seek care from pediatricians and there is a lack of Consensus Guidelines on preconception care. Therefore, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics called an online National Consultative Meeting on April 03, 2023, under the chairmanship of ...
Source: Indian Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Source Type: research