Abstract.
Preconception nutrition of both parents plays a pivotal role in maternal and fetal health, impacting nutrient availability for fetal development, pre-pregnancy weight, genetic material quality, and the prevention of undesirable complications. The primary objective of this paper is to emphasize the importance of adopting a healthy preconception diet, thereby ensuring an adequate nutritional state at the time of conception. Scientific databases were used for searching keywords related to preconceptional nutrition and its influence on maternal-child health, as well as reproductive health. Planning for pregnancy involves initiating appropriate healthcare consultations with medical professionals, where maternal and child nutritionists play an essential role in promoting nutritional adequacy and guidance. This is especially significant, as changing dietary habits that are low in nutrients and high in sugar and fat, and eliminating harmful substances like alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs before conception, are more appropriate, allowing for a gradual and higher-quality transformation. Implementing adequate nutrition before pregnancy helps prevent complications during gestation and childbirth, for example excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, low birth weight, macrosomia, preterm birth, anemia, hypoglycemia, developmental issues, and even maternal mortality. Preparing for a healthy pregnancy by taking care of one’s health before conception ensures a healthy body and environment for optimal fetal development.