Nutrition counseling is an important component of the Program. Good nutrition is vitally important to all stages of life, especially before conception occurs. While those in medical science are aware of the consequences brought on by a profound state of malnutrition, we are only beginning to understand the potential impact of more subtle nutritional deficiencies on pregnancy. However, the evidence continues to build for a role in Preconception Care. It is not enough to tell women to take the vitamin after they are pregnant because the birth defects occur when the fetus's spinal column is fusing, at about two weeks after the first missed menstrual period.
Many women are still unaware they are pregnant at that time.
Fathers also must be nutritionally aware. The consequences include infertility and decreased sperm function in perspective fathers and some birth defects and cancers in their offspring. Nutritional deficiencies such as those mentioned above can have such a dramatic effect on the health of our children. There are other subtle nutritional deficiencies with equally high damaging impacts on pregnancy and birth. The Preconception Care Program looks closely at the diet of both prospective parents.