Abstract
IntroductionInfections can impact the reproductive health of women and hence may influence pregnancy related outcomes for both the mother and the child. These infections range from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to TORCHS infections to periodontal disease to systemic infections and may be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy, labor, delivery or breastfeeding.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence was conducted to ascertain the possible impact of preconception care for adolescents, women and couples of reproductive age on MNCH outcomes. A comprehensive strategy was used to search electronic reference libraries, and both observational and clinical controlled trials were included. Cross-referencing and a separate search strategy for each preconception risk and intervention ensured wider study capture.ResultsPreconception behavioral interventions significantly declines re-infection or new STI rates by 35% (95% CI: 20-47%). Further, condom use has been shown to be the most effective way to prevent HIV infection (85% protection in prospective studies) through sexual intercourse. Intervention trials showed that preconception vaccination against tetanus averted a significant number of neonatal deaths (including those specifically due to tetanus) when compared to placebo in women receiving more than 1 dose of the vaccine (OR 0.28; 95% CI: 0.15-0.52); (OR 0.02; 95% CI: 0.00-0.28) respectively.ConclusionPreconception counseling should be offered to women of reproductive age as soon as they test HIV-positive, and conversely women of reproductive age should be screened with their partners before pregnancy. Risk assessment, screening, and treatment for specific infections should be a component of preconception care because there is convincing evidence that treatment of these infections before pregnancy prevents neonatal infections.
Highlights
Infections can impact the reproductive health of women and may influence pregnancy related outcomes for both the mother and the child
Information related to each included study can be found on the following link: https://globalmotherchildresearch.tghn.org/site_media/ media/articles/Preconception_Report.pdf
Transmitted infections This review assessed the literature pertaining to the effects of gynecologic infections in women in the preconception period on maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) outcomes and interventions intended to reduce these infections and any associated morbidity/mortality
Summary
Infections can impact the reproductive health of women and may influence pregnancy related outcomes for both the mother and the child These infections range from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to TORCHS infections to periodontal disease to systemic infections and may be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy, labor, delivery or breastfeeding. These infections range from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to TORCH infections to periodontal disease and may be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy, labor, delivery or breastfeeding. While highly active antiretroviral therapy is contraindicated in the first trimester, treatment with anti-retroviral therapy (ART) has drastically decreased the mother to child transmission in the past few decades
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