Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA)

Thinking about having a baby?

Your health and well-being are important. Let’s make sure you are strong and ready, so when you do decide to get pregnant, you’ll feel your best.

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Pregnant asian woman getting ready for the maternity hospital preparing and planning baby clothes for new baby of pregnancy packing for maternity hospital at home

About PreMA

PreMA is a simple, eight-question quiz designed to reduce preventable maternal deaths by identifying the need for potential medical care, even before a pregnancy begins. With a focus on proactive prevention by increasing awareness and education, PreMA paves the way for safer pregnancies and healthier outcomes for mothers, pregnant people, and their babies.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Issue Brief

The Preconception Medical Assessment (PreMA) is poised to redefine preconception health across California, making preventive care a standard part of maternal healthcare. This simple yet transformative tool increases awareness and promotes participation to saves lives and create opportunities for healthier outcomes.

Download the Issue Brief.

Take PreMA Now

PreMA is an easy-to-use quiz designed by the Office of the California Surgeon General to help people understand how their current health status and history affects a future pregnancy. It is a conversation starter that can be taken anytime anywhere and encourages early actions to prepare for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Help make PreMA available in your community–print it out or link directly to it! 

PreMA Quiz

PreMA (Preconception Medical Assessment) Quiz

QUIZ
PLEASE NOTE: Your information is private and will not be saved, collected, or shared.
Were you born with a heart problem, or do you currently have a heart problem that needs medical attention?



Have you ever been told that your heart is not working well, or do you have a heart problem?



Has a doctor told you that you have high blood pressure?



Has a doctor told you that you have diabetes?



Have you ever been diagnosed with a lung disease, or do you have a history of breathing problems?



Do you take any medicine that was not prescribed to you by a doctor, like illegal drugs or prescription medicine for reasons other than your health?



Have you ever had a surgery on your stomach or intestines, or do you have a problem with your digestive system?



Have you ever been in the hospital or needed treatment because you drank too much alcohol?



4+ YES

For the healthiest baby, your health requires closer and more attention before and during pregnancy. You may have chronic health conditions that require extra attention in pregnancy. See a health care provider at least 6 months prior to trying to become pregnant. You may need more tests, new medications or to see a specialist before and during pregnancy. During delivery you may need extra medical attention.

1-3 YES

For the healthiest baby, your health will probably require more attention before pregnancy. See a health care provider at least 3 months before trying to become pregnant and create a pregnancy plan. You may need more tests, new medications or see a specialist before and during pregnancy.

0 YES

For the healthiest baby, follow the Tips for Everyone.

TIPS FOR EVERYONE
  • Get a preconception visit to review overall health and existing medical conditions.
  • Review medications, including over-the counter and herbal supplements.
  • Family planning can give you extra time to get healthy before pregnancy.
  • Go to all your prenatal and postpartum visits.
  • In partnership with your medical provider, create a pregnancy plan for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

    Always remember to trust your body. If you do not feel right, seek care right away.

NEXT STEPS

Partner with Us

What your partnership means

PreMA must be widely integrated into everyday locations such as laundromats, places of worship, and beauty salons, for example. We are putting a call out for a united effort to raise awareness, encourage participation, and foster partnerships with trusted community organizations and leaders that extend PreMA’s reach and impact.

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FEEDBACK

The Office of the California Surgeon General welcomes your partnership and feedback. Please direct any questions, comments, and/or recommendations to StrongStartAndBeyond@osg.ca.gov.