Enjoying a healthy pregnancy: GPs' essential role in health promotion

Abstract

Background: For many women, a major pregnancy goal is to achieve an enjoyable, healthy pregnancy. The continuum of care from preconception counselling, management of early pregnancy, referral or continued pregnancy care and management into the postpartum period places general practitioners (GPs) in a unique position to meaningfully contribute on many levels to this realisation. Objectives: The aim of this article is to explore the determinants of a healthy and enjoyable pregnancy, and asks how GPs can facilitate an optimum experience for women in pregnancy, regardless of risk. Discussion: GPs can play a key role with prospective parents in health promotion, directing them to appropriate resources and services; addressing disease prevention by targeting modifiable lifestyle risks; and managing chronic health concerns in the optimisation of pregnancy care.