Effects of Preconception Care and Periconception Interventions on Maternal Nutritional Status and Birth Outcomes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Pregnancy in adolescence and malnutrition are common challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and are associated with many complications and comorbidities. The preconception period is an ideal period for intervention as a preventative tactic for teenage pregnancy, and to increase micronutrient supplementation prior to conception. Over twenty databases and websites were searched and 45 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental interventions with intent to delay the age at first pregnancy ( = 26), to optimize inter-pregnancy intervals ( = 4), and supplementation of folic acid ( = 5) or a combination of iron and folic acid ( = 10) during the periconception period were included. The review found that educational interventions to delay the age at first pregnancy and optimizing inter-pregnancy intervals significantly improved the uptake of contraception use (RR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.42-2.05; two studies, = 911; I = 0%) and (RR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.29-3.93; one study, = 338), respectively. For periconceptional folic acid supplementation, the incidence of neural tube defects were reduced (RR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.41-0.77; two studies, = 248,056; I = 0%), and iron-folic acid supplementation improved the rates of anemia (RR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.53-0.81; six studies; = 3430, I = 88%), particularly when supplemented weekly and in a school setting. Notwithstanding the findings, more robust RCTs are required from LMICs to further support the evidence.