Optimizing preconception care and interventions for improved population health

There is growing literature indicating that optimal preconception health is associated with improved reproductive, perinatal, and pe-diatric outcomes. Given that preconception care is recommended for all individuals planning a pregnancy, medical providers and public health practitioners have a unique opportunity to optimize care and improve health outcomes for reproductive-aged individuals. Knowledge of the determinants of preconception health is important for all types of health professionals, including policy makers. Although some evidence-based recommendations have already been implemented, additional research is needed to identify factors associated with favorable health outcomes and to ensure that effective interventions are made in a timely fashion. Given the largely clinical readership of this journal, this piece is primarily focused on clinical care. However, we acknowledge that optimizing precon-ception health for the entire population at risk of pregnancy requires broadening our strategies to include population-health interven-tions that consider the larger social systems, structures, and policies that shape individual health outcomes. (Fertil Steril & REG; 2023;120: 438-48. & COPY;2022 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)