Pharmacy, Health Sciences & Exercise Science
Preconception Health: Do Women Receive Care Too Late?
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Subject Area
Pharmacy, Health Sciences & Exercise Science
Start Date
11-4-2014 10:15 AM
End Date
11-4-2014 11:45 AM
Sponsor
Jeanne VanTyle (Butler University)
Description
Background: Throughout the United States, infants continue to be born with common birth defects, such as spina bifida and fetal alcohol syndrome, despite these defects being preventable. While there is evidence supporting the efficacy of various interventions women can take to prevent these detrimental outcomes to their child, the current relatively high prevalence of these birth defects suggests a potential inconsistency among women and their knowledge of these beneficial interventions. Healthcare professionals' provision of preconception care to their female patients has been shown to positively influence pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, preconception care should be consistently offered to all women of childbearing age, regardless if
the woman is actively attempting to get pregnant.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine when women first receive preconception care, the factors that may influence the initiation of care, and the differences in preconception care provided for a woman's first pregnancy compared with subsequent pregnancies. This study also determined if physicians actively counsel patients on alcohol consumption, folic acid supplementation, and birth control methods as part of preconception care.
Methods: Underserved women utilizing a local food pantry as well as women from Butler University who are 18 years and older were surveyed on the level of preconception care they have received. Women with current known pregnancy were excluded. All information collected was anonymous.
Significance: This information determined if healthcare providers are overlooking opportunities to provide preconception care and thus neglecting the ability to ensure a woman is sufficiently prepared for pregnancy, whether she is actively trying to conceive or not. Identifying these missed opportunities is essential for achieving the ultimate endpoint of increasing the level of preconception care to avoid preventable birth defects.
Preconception Health: Do Women Receive Care Too Late?
Indianapolis, IN
Background: Throughout the United States, infants continue to be born with common birth defects, such as spina bifida and fetal alcohol syndrome, despite these defects being preventable. While there is evidence supporting the efficacy of various interventions women can take to prevent these detrimental outcomes to their child, the current relatively high prevalence of these birth defects suggests a potential inconsistency among women and their knowledge of these beneficial interventions. Healthcare professionals' provision of preconception care to their female patients has been shown to positively influence pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, preconception care should be consistently offered to all women of childbearing age, regardless if
the woman is actively attempting to get pregnant.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine when women first receive preconception care, the factors that may influence the initiation of care, and the differences in preconception care provided for a woman's first pregnancy compared with subsequent pregnancies. This study also determined if physicians actively counsel patients on alcohol consumption, folic acid supplementation, and birth control methods as part of preconception care.
Methods: Underserved women utilizing a local food pantry as well as women from Butler University who are 18 years and older were surveyed on the level of preconception care they have received. Women with current known pregnancy were excluded. All information collected was anonymous.
Significance: This information determined if healthcare providers are overlooking opportunities to provide preconception care and thus neglecting the ability to ensure a woman is sufficiently prepared for pregnancy, whether she is actively trying to conceive or not. Identifying these missed opportunities is essential for achieving the ultimate endpoint of increasing the level of preconception care to avoid preventable birth defects.