Table 1.

Preconception Care Interventions

Services	Intervention
Folic acid supplementation	Advise 0.4 mg of folic acid daily (4 mg if previous pregnancy with neural tube defect) three months prior to conception.
Smoking cessation	Educate about the risks of smoking during pregnancy and counsel about smoking cessation.
Anemia screen	Check hematocrit/CBC and recommend iron supplement if anemia is detected.
Testing for rubella antibody	Check IgG rubella antibody before conception. If the test is negative, vaccinate and avoid conception for three months.
Alcohol restriction	Screen for alcoholism by using a validated questionnaire, and counsel or refer if positive screen.
Restricting caffeine	Restrict caffeine intake to less than 250 mg a day.
Exercise	Advise regular to moderate exercise before and during pregnancy.
Calcium supplementation	Assess calcium intake and as needed supplement for a target of 1200 mg daily.
Use of basal body temperature*	Conduct basal body temperature every morning to identify the day of ovulation.
Timing of intercourse*	Advise intercourse every other day around time of ovulation to maximize chances of conception.

*For couples having difficulty conceiving