Pre-pregnant?

I was alerted to this article by Mac at Pesky'Apostrophe.
Here are some highlights:

New federal guidelines ask all females capable of conceiving a baby to treat themselves -- and to be treated by the health care system -- as pre-pregnant, regardless of whether they plan to get pregnant anytime soon.

Among other things, this means all women between first menstrual period and menopause should take folic acid supplements, refrain from smoking, maintain a healthy weight and keep chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes under control.

Pre-pregnant? That's something we've actually made a word? Granted, most of that makes good health sense, but there's something mildly creepy about all women of reproductive age being treated as "pre-pregnant" regardless of whether they indend to or wish to concieve.

The idea of preconception care has been discussed for nearly 20 years, experts said, but it has drawn more attention recently. Progress toward further reducing the rate of unhealthy pregnancy results, including premature birth, low birthweight and infant mortality, has slowed in the United States since 1996 "in part because of inconsistent delivery and implementation of interventions before pregnancy to detect, treat and help women modify behaviors, health conditions and risk factors that contribute to adverse maternal and infant outcomes," according to the report.

I won't even talk about what a terrible sentence that is.

The report recommends that women stop smoking and discuss with their doctor the danger alcohol poses to a developing fetus.

Now this, some might be able to use to their advantage. "Honey, could you change the kitty litter? I'm pre-pregnant, you know."

I invite you to read Mac's post and letter to her senators on the subject here. I both appreciate and shudder at the Margaret Atwood reference.