Congenital infections and preconception counseling.

Given the risks of congenital infections, the frequent occurrence of unintended pregnancy, and the lack of prenatal care in the first trimester, physicians should seek opportunities to discuss immunizations and disease prevention with women of childbearing age. Discussions of the following topics would be beneficial: 1. Encourage women to seek medical care at the first missed period. 2. Discuss safe sex and abstinence for prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. (See "Clinical Prevention Guidelines" in the CDC's 1998 Guidelines for Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.) 3. Encourage early medical care for vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or possible exposure to sexually transmitted diseases. 4. Encourage good handwashing, especially before and after handling food or changing diapers. 5. Encourage the use of universal precautions when exposed to body fluids or blood. 6. Educate the patient on the importance of cooking food thoroughly and avoiding raw meat and unpasteurized dairy products. 7. Ensure vaccination against hepatitis B, rubella, and varicella.