Support evidence-based preconception care for future generations

The health of future generations begins before pregnancy. Preconception health influences fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and the lifelong wellbeing of parents and children. Yet in Australia, preconception care is often fragmented, inconsistently delivered, and poorly understood across the health system. 

This research addresses a critical gap: ensuring health professionals and the broader community make decisions based on the growing body of preconception health evidence. It also clarifies the role of naturopaths within the broader mix of health professionals providing preconception care. 

Professor Amie Steel

Professor Amie Steel, Australia’s leading Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) researcher and the world’s most published naturopathic researcher, leads this program. Her research combines public health, health services, and clinical evidence to strengthen preconception care for everyone planning a pregnancy. 

This program has already gained national and international recognition, and the next phase will directly improve how preconception care is planned, delivered, and accessed. 

"Preconception health has significant implications for public health, yet is largely overlooked in most countries. Addressing this gap presents a unique opportunity to improve health outcomes for current and future generations." 

Why this work matters now 

Despite strong evidence that preconception health improves pregnancy and child outcomes: 

• Most people receive little or no structured preconception care, even when actively planning pregnancy
• People planning pregnancy often consult multiple health professionals, including naturopaths, yet these roles are rarely considered in policy or planning
• Preconception health behaviours frequently remain suboptimal
• There is no coordinated national approach to implementing preconception care  

Research by this team shows that people actively engage with a wide range of health services before pregnancy, highlighting an urgent opportunity — and responsibility — to ensure that all care is accurate, evidence-informed, and aligned with best practice.
 

What your donation will achieve 

Your support helps move this research from evidence to impact. It will: 

• Strengthen evidence-based preconception care across the health system 
• Improve understanding of how naturopaths and other health professionals contribute to care
• Support better coordination and collaboration between health professions
• Inform health service planning, education, and policy
• Ultimately improve health outcomes for parents, babies, and future generations  

Every health encounter becomes an opportunity to support healthier pregnancies — no matter which professional someone consults. 

Be part of the change

By donating today, you are investing in: 

• Healthier pregnancies 
• Better-informed health professionals 
• Stronger, evidence-based healthcare systems
• Healthier futures for families and communities 

Donate today to strengthen preconception care and support healthier futures for parents and children. 

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