The end point of any pregnancy is not just the birth of a child but of a child that will fulfil his or her potential in later life.

In order to achieve this, it is important to be aware that the fate or destiny of a pregnancy is determined at the earliest gestational stages. Many pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, premature labour, fetal growth problems and raised maternal blood pressure (pre-eclampsia) have their origins in early pregnancy – well before 12 weeks gestation. 

It is also increasingly recognised that the origins of adult diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, obesity and Type II diabetes have their origins pregnancy.  This is referred to a the Barker Hypothesis.

A comprehensive, informed approach to optimising maternal (and paternal) health prior to pregnancy is crucial in optimising  pregnancy outcome.