PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Anne L. Dunlop
AU  - Brian Jack
AU  - Keith Frey
TI  - National Recommendations for Preconception Care: The Essential Role of the Family Physician
AID  - 10.3122/jabfm.2007.01.060143
DP  - 2007 Jan 01
TA  - The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine
PG  - 81--84
VI  - 20
IP  - 1
4099  - http://www.jabfm.org/content/20/1/81.short
4100  - http://www.jabfm.org/content/20/1/81.full
SO  - J Am Board Fam Med2007 Jan 01; 20
AB  - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have published national recommendations for improving preconception health and health care in response to unfavorable aspects of the health status of women and children in the United States. The publication explains that the national recommendations are part of a strategic plan for improving preconception health through the provision of clinical care as well as the promotion of changes in individual behaviors, health policy, and public health strategies. The concept of preconception care has been articulated for well over a decade but has not become part of the routine practice of family medicine. Because all women of reproductive age presenting to the primary care setting are candidates for preconception care, the essential and critical role of family physicians in the provision of preconception care is apparent. As a specialty, we are now challenged to devise ways to effectively translate the concept of preconception care into clinical reality.