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Certain prescription medications should be avoided during pregnancy to reduce the risk of fetal harm. Identification of these medications to minimize exposure may be achieved through the integration of preconception care recommendations into medication therapy management (MTM) services. The primary objective of this study was to identify missed opportunities for pharmacists to provide preconception care support related to medications associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes for reproductive-aged women who received MTM consultations at a regional supermarket pharmacy chain. Results: Of the 2020 female patients who received MTM services and filled at least 1 prescription during the study period, 731 (36.2%) were found to have received at least 1 medication associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes for the minimal days’ threshold. Of these, 509 (69.6%) lacked evidence of concurrent prescription contraception, and 74 (10.1%) had a concurrent prescription for folic acid or prenatal vitamins. In conclusion, the use of medications associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes was widespread in this sample of reproductive-aged women.

Article featuring research findings and comments from Natalie DiPietro Mager, PharmD, MPH, associate profes- sor of pharmacy practice at Ohio Northern University’s Raabe College of Pharmacy and David Bright, PharmD, associate professor at Ferris State University Col- lege of Pharmacy in Michigan.

There are multiple opportunities for community pharmacists to take on greater roles in the delivery of preconception care and contraceptive services, and pharmacists have indicated interest in developing and expanding such services. Therefore, the objective of this review is to summarize published literature related to community pharmacists' provision of preconception care and contraceptive interventions to help guide related service development and raise awareness about potential opportunities to further expand and integrate such services into practice. The results highlighted the logistical ease, economic viability, and patient acceptance of such services. Opportunities to expand and integrate these services exist. Published data show that community pharmacists have demonstrated provision of contraceptive and preconception care services in the US, and opportunities exist to grow these programs.