Guidelines for preconception care: from the maternal and child health perspectives of Korea.
10.5124/jkma.2011.54.8.845
- Author:
Kyung SEO
1
;
Min A KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. kyungseo@yuhs.ac
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Preconception care;
Guidelines;
Preventive health services;
Low fertility population;
Maternal-child health services
- MeSH:
Aged;
Birth Rate;
Child;
Child Health Services;
Child Health;
Developed Countries;
Family Characteristics;
Female;
Humans;
Korea;
Marriage;
Maternal-Child Health Services;
National Health Programs;
Population Characteristics;
Postnatal Care;
Preconception Care;
Pregnancy;
Preventive Health Services;
Reproduction;
United States
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2011;54(8):845-850
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Korea has recorded a very low total fertility rate of 1.15 in 2009. Young Koreans tend to postpone their marriage, and as a result of late marriage, the average age of first pregnancy has been continuously increasing. Older married couples often produced multifetal pregnancies due to assisted reproduction. Elderly pregnancies and multifetal pregnancies contribute to high maternal/perinatal mortalities and morbidities. Basic maternal and child health services including prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care are covered under national health insurance in Korea. However, preconception care is not covered under national health insurance nor any other preventive service program. Many developed countries including United States and academic societies have emphasized the importance of preconception care and have proposed guidelines on preconception care. No suggested guidelines for preconception care have been developed in Korea. Evidence-based guidelines on preconception care should be developed with the cooperation of associated academic societies. In addition, the Korean government should develop a comprehensive plan for preventive services for women including preconception care.
