Preconception and pregnancy care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

BACKGROUND

Improving outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander maternal and child health is a matter of national priority. Engaging in preconception and pregnancy care is associated with a reduction in perinatal deaths and improved birth outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This article highlights the importance of preconception and pregnancy care provision that is culturally safe and contextually tailored. It focuses on three important areas of healthcare in pregnancy: smoking, syphilis and vaccinations.

DISCUSSION: Preconception and pregnancy represent a time when women and their partners may be more receptive to health promotion messages and experience increased motivation to make behaviour changes. General practitioners are well placed to provide preconception and pregnancy care.