PERICONCEPTIONAL Meaning and
Definition
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Periconceptional is a term used in the field of reproductive health and medicine to describe the period of time that encompasses the three months before conception and the first month of pregnancy. The word itself is derived from the combination of two components: "peri-" meaning around or near, and "conceptional" referring to conception.
Periconceptional care or planning involves taking specific measures to optimize a woman's health and lifestyle choices during this critical time. It aims to promote the best possible conditions for conception and reduce potential risks to fetal development. This may include actions such as ensuring adequate nutrition, managing pre-existing medical conditions, avoiding harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco, and taking appropriate prenatal supplements.
The importance of periconceptional care is rooted in the fact that early pregnancy is a vital period of embryonic and fetal development. Many crucial physiological processes occur during this time, including the formation of major organs and structures. It is known that environmental and maternal factors can significantly influence these processes, therefore addressing potential risks during the periconceptional period is essential for a healthy pregnancy outcome.
Healthcare professionals often recommend periconceptional care to women who are trying to conceive or are sexually active and may potentially become pregnant. By providing accurate information and support during this period, medical professionals strive to enhance the chances of healthy conception, embryo implantation, and ultimately, successful pregnancy and delivery.
Etymology of PERICONCEPTIONAL
The word "periconceptional" is a combination of two root words: "peri-" and "conceptional".
1. "Peri-" is a prefix of Greek origin meaning "around" or "near". It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate something that occurs around or near a specific event or period. For example, "perinatal" refers to the period around childbirth, and "pericardium" refers to the membrane around the heart.
2. "Conceptional" is derived from the word "conception", which originates from the Latin word "conceptio". The Latin word itself is formed from the prefix "con-" meaning "together" and the verb "capere" meaning "to take" or "to seize". Consequently, "conception" refers to the act of becoming pregnant or the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, leading to the development of an embryo.
