Preconception care is an essential component of healthcare for women of reproductive age, aiming to improve women's health and optimize pregnancy outcomes before conception [1, 2]. The target population for preconception health promotion includes women from menarche to menopause who can become pregnant, regardless of their current plans regarding conception [1]. Adopting a lifespan approach helps reach this diverse group, reflecting strategies used to prevent and manage chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease [1].

The primary goal of preconception care is to identify and manage health-related, behavioral, and social risks that could affect a woman’s health and pregnancy outcomes [1]. This approach highlights the importance of gender-specific comprehensive health promotion, risk assessment, and effective interventions as routine healthcare practices [1, 3]. Preconception care promotes women's health before conception, whether planning a first pregnancy or subsequent ones, reduces unintended pregnancies, and decreases age-related infertility while improving overall reproductive health outcomes [1-3]. 

Expert-developed recommendations for improving preconception care include encouraging individual responsibility for health, increasing awareness of preconception health behaviors, scheduling preventive healthcare visits, addressing identified risks, providing interconception care, and expanding healthcare coverage for low-income women [1, 2].

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) outline four main components of preconception care: physical assessments, risk screenings, vaccinations, and counseling [1]. Risk screening covers reproductive awareness, environmental toxin exposure, nutritional status (e.g., folic acid intake), genetics, substance use, existing medical conditions, infectious diseases, and psycho-social concerns [1, 2]. To be truly effective, preconception care must be gender-specific, recognizing that medical research, treatments, and clinical guidelines historically centered on male physiology may not adequately address the unique biological and health needs of women. Tailoring care to the female body ensures more accurate diagnoses, safer treatments, and better outcomes for women preparing for pregnancy. 

Integrating preconception health into existing public health programs and strategies is crucial for offering comprehensive care to women of reproductive age. These plans must address gender-specific needs, particularly for women with preexisting health conditions. Integration also highlights the importance of interconception care – especially for women who have experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes [1, 2]. Healthcare providers play a key role by helping individuals develop personalized reproductive health plans that address high-risk behaviors before conception, ultimately reducing the risk of complications for both mothers and babies [1, 2]. 

Inclusive practices in preconception care increasingly highlight the importance of equitable access to reproductive health services, especially for marginalized communities [4]. Gender-specific care acknowledges unique healthcare requirements linked to gender identity and reproductive health goals. This consideration is particularly important for transgender and nonbinary individuals, who often face challenges such as stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings. Providers must adopt gender-inclusive practices to effectively meet diverse patient needs [5]. 

Gender-specific healthcare needs go beyond reproductive health, encompassing endocrinological management, fertility treatments, and general gynecological care [5]. This holistic approach recognizes that healthcare requirements intersect with various personal and social factors, requiring providers to offer comprehensive medical support. Providers must address both physical and emotional aspects of patient health to deliver effective care [5, 6].

Preconception care is especially important in low-resource and low-income settings, where awareness and access to these healthcare services remain significantly limited. Studies show many individuals in these settings lack knowledge about how their health conditions and lifestyle choices could negatively affect pregnancy outcomes. This leads to missed opportunities for early intervention and improving overall health [7, 8]. 

As global health initiatives increasingly acknowledge preconception care’s role in reducing maternal and child morbidity and mortality, addressing existing gaps in knowledge and healthcare access becomes crucial. Research highlights that proactive engagement in health assessments, risk management, and education before pregnancy can greatly improve health outcomes for mothers and infants [7, 8]. Interventions targeting nutritional health, chronic condition management, and lifestyle changes can establish healthier foundations for future pregnancies. Additionally, prioritizing adolescent and child health is essential, as early interventions can foster a healthier generation prepared for future pregnancies [4, 8]. 

Despite its recognized importance, several barriers limit the implementation of effective preconception care services in low-resource settings. Research indicates that many healthcare providers lack the knowledge and confidence necessary to effectively promote preconception health. Systemic challenges, such as time limitations and insufficient resources, further hinder service delivery [4]. Moreover, social determinants, including socio-economic status and cultural factors, contribute to disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to improve health equity and accessibility [4]. 

Efforts to improve preconception care in low-resource environments involve integrating care services into existing health programs, community engagement initiatives, and leveraging digital health technologies to enhance outreach and education. Collaborative approaches engaging local communities are essential to ensure preconception care remains culturally relevant and sustainable [8, 9].

Improving preconception health outcomes requires significant changes in public attitudes and healthcare delivery systems [1]. Social marketing strategies can effectively promote healthier behaviors among targeted populations [1, 2]. Implementing a robust preconception care framework can substantially enhance maternal and infant health, contributing to healthier families and communities [1, 3]. 

As healthcare continues evolving, integrating gender-specific approaches to preconception care remains critical for future research and policy. This approach ensures equitable access to reproductive health services and fosters an inclusive healthcare environment that respects diverse gender identities and experiences [10, 11] 

Future research on gender-specific preconception care should prioritize developing comprehensive frameworks that include healthcare policies, provider education, and inclusive clinical environments [5, 12]. Further evidence-based research, employing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, will enrich the understanding of effective preconception care interventions across diverse populations [10, 11]. 

Efforts should focus on converting recommendations into actionable policies at local, state, and federal levels, addressing critical aspects such as healthcare access, service types, and payment models to ensure comprehensive preconception care for everyone, regardless of gender [11]. Clinical practices must adapt to include gender-inclusive standards, recognizing that no single approach fits all individuals’ reproductive health needs. 

Healthcare providers must be prepared to navigate the complexities of reproductive health, including understanding the intersection of gender identity and reproductive rights. By concentrating on these areas, preconception care can better serve diverse populations, improving health outcomes and reducing reproductive health disparities.