[Editorial] The future of preconception health

In 2018, the first Lancet Series on preconception health, led by Judith Stephenson, argued that the health and nutrition of both men and women before conception is important not only for pregnancy outcomes but also for the lifelong health of their children. We called for a campaign built on a three-pronged approach that recognised the biological, individual, and public health dimensions of preconception, taking a life course view. 8 years on, that call has been only partially answered. The Series helped to broaden the concept of preconception health, beyond a narrow focus on women's health before pregnancy, to encompass the health and wellbeing of women, men, and couples before conception.