3. Life course approach in obstetrics and gynaecology for patient care, education and research

The life course approach in obstetrics and gynaecology respects the continuum of a woman’s life. The continuum already starts preconceptionally with gametogenesis in the parental reproductive organs and is followed by consecutive life course stages, such as conception, foetal and placental growth and development, menopause and ageing. Every individual’s life course is unique. Therefore, the life course approach should be personalised and context-based, providing an individualised path towards procreation, healthy ageing, with specific attention for prevention, the social environment and the next generation. A life course-long healthcare approach necessitates the reorganisation of the current health care system, research and medical training programmes, involving integration and transcendence of transmural and multidisciplinary care, as well as crossing into medical, paramedical and social domains.