Care Team, Therapy & Support
Preconception care
Preconception care is health care and planning before pregnancy that supports a healthy pregnancy.
In short: Preconception care
- It includes steps like folic acid before conception.
- It can include discussing recurrence risk after a prior affected pregnancy.
- It supports a healthy start to pregnancy.
- It is especially relevant for families planning future pregnancies.
What it is
It is health care and planning that takes place before pregnancy to support a healthy pregnancy. It includes optimizing health and taking preventive steps before conception.
Understanding Preconception care
For families planning a pregnancy — especially those who have had a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect — preconception care can include starting folic acid before conception, discussing recurrence risk with genetic counseling, and optimizing overall health. Because conditions like encephalocele originate very early, before many people know they are pregnant, planning ahead allows preventive steps to be in place from the start. Preconception care is a valuable opportunity to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
Why it matters
Understanding preconception care helps families planning future pregnancies see the value of preparing ahead — including folic acid and, where relevant, genetic counseling about recurrence risk — since the earliest weeks of pregnancy are so important.
Common questions
What is preconception care?
Health care and planning before pregnancy.
What can it include?
Folic acid, genetic counseling, and optimizing health.
Why does it matter?
Conditions like encephalocele originate very early, so planning ahead helps.
Bottom line
Preconception care is planning and health care before pregnancy, including folic acid and, where relevant, genetic counseling.
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