Intermountain Health recommends women book a preconception appointment within 12 months to assess health risks and improve pregnancy outcomes, highlighting the importance of early care amid concerns over diabetes and other chronic conditions.
Intermountain Health is advising women who are considering pregnancy to book a preconception appointment, saying the most useful step is often a simple check-up with a trusted clinician within the next 12 months. The Utah-based health system said online advice about the so-called “trimester zero” can be useful, but also overwhelming and sometimes inaccurate.
In a statement, the firm said early review can help identify risks such as diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions before conception. That approach broadly matches guidance from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the NHS, all of which stress the value of pre-pregnancy care and early antenatal follow-up in reducing complications.
Intermountain also said women with existing health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and lupus, should seek advice before trying to conceive. The company said family medical history can also help doctors spot inherited risks. One of its obstetricians, Amelia Parrett, said: “I tell my patients, almost 41% of pregnancies are a surprise. It’s never too late to get information and start making lifestyle changes to improve your own health and create positive changes for both you and the surprise baby!”
The advice comes as diabetes remains a major pregnancy concern. Intermountain cited National Institutes of Health figures saying one in nine women in the US has diabetes and that six per cent of women who gave birth developed gestational diabetes. The March of Dimes and other medical groups say diabetes in pregnancy can raise the risk of pre-eclampsia, premature birth and delivery complications, while gestational diabetes can increase the chance of later type 2 diabetes for the mother. Intermountain said exercise, nutrition and weight management can all help, and noted that women planning another pregnancy are often advised to wait around 18 months after giving birth before trying again.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
