Preconception care policy, guidelines, recommendations and services across six European countries: Belgium (Flanders), Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom

Abstract

Objectives Preconception care is important for the screening, prevention and management of risk factors that affect pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to investigate pre-pregnancy care policies, guidelines, recommendations and services in six European countries.

Methods In 2013, an electronic search and investigation was undertaken of preconception policy, guidelines, recommendations and services available to healthcare professionals and the general public in six European countries: Belgium (Flanders), Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Findings were compared within five categories: Governmental policy and legislation; Professional bodies and organisations; Healthcare providers; Charitable organisations; Web-based public information and internet sites.

Results All countries had preconception recommendations for women with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and epilepsy. Recommendations for healthy women and men were fragmented and inconsistent. Preconception guidance was often included in antenatal and pregnancy guidelines. Differences between countries were seen with regard to nutritional and lifestyle advice particularly in relation to fish, caffeine and alcohol consumption, and vitamin supplementation.

Conclusions Current guidelines are heterogeneous. Collaborative research across Europe is required in order to develop evidence-based guidelines for preconception health and care. There is a need to establish a clear strategy for promoting advice and guidance within the European childbearing population.

Chinese Abstract

摘要

目的 孕前保健对于那些影响妊娠结局的风险因素的筛查、预防和管理是非常重要的。我们旨在调查六个欧洲国家的孕前保健政策、指南、推荐规范和服务项目

方法 2013年，一项服务于医疗专家和公众的电子搜索和调查项目在六个欧洲国家：比利时（弗兰德斯）、丹麦、意大利、荷兰、瑞典和英国展开。其结果从以下五个方面进行比较：政府政策和立法；专业团队和机构；医务人员；慈善组织；基于网络的公共信息和互联网站。

结果 所有国家对于患有慢性病的女性（如糖尿病和癫痫）均有相应的孕前推荐规范。而对于健康男女的推荐规范则比较分散且不一致。孕前指南常包括在产前和妊娠指南中。各个国家关于营养和生活方式的建议，尤其涉及鱼类、咖啡因、饮酒和维生素补充方面是不同的。

结论 现行的指南多种多样，需要整个欧洲进行合作研究，从而为孕前卫生保健制定循证指南。因此有必要为促进建议和指南在欧洲生育年龄人群中的实施建立清晰的方法。

KEYWORDS:

• Preconception care
• Pre-pregnancy health and care
• Pregnancy
• Policy
• Guidelines
• Europe

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and the writing of the paper.

This study did not receive any formal funding. It was carried out by academics as part of collaborative development work funded by individuals.