Abstract

Nowadays, people who are planning to have children can
influence the health of their unborn baby even before it has been conceived.
However, most people are insufficiently aware of this fact. At present,
there are many different organizations that provide information on certain
aspects of so-called preconception care. One example here is taking folic
acid. In order to increase people's awareness of the options available, the
coordination of the information process needs to be improved. Moreover, the
organizations involved should point out to future parents all of the options
that are available for influencing the health of their baby prior to
conception. This information process can be supported by distributing
leaflets nationwide or through a website. This conclusion has been drawn in
a report by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
(RIVM) commissioned by the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS). For
the purpose of the report, interviews were held in twenty organizations.
Preconception care covers all measures that can be taken to promote the
health of the unborn baby. In order to achieve the maximum effect, future
parents should adopt these measures before fertilization takes place. Some
of the issues concerned are, for example, taking folic acid, healthy
nutrition, and stopping the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. In addition,
attention should be paid to medication use, working conditions and
hereditary factors.
The report states that measures should be implemented which enable future
parents to carefully examine any risks that may exist for mother and child.
In order to adequately address the needs of future parents, different kinds
of information media should be used to convey the facts. For example,
people who are at risk or who have insufficient knowledge about
preconception care can receive information from a digital questionnaire or
at a preconception clinic. Further referral to a care provider can then
take place if necessary. If lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking,
need to be made to reduce risks, then effective interventions must be
available and offered to people.
As well as the national approach, a local and personal approach is also
required so that certain risk groups are reached. This includes people with
a low socio-economic status or foreigners. This approach must link up with
people's values and standards as well as the social environment. On behalf
of VWS, the RIVM can take on the role of coordinator and facilitator so that
the existing information on the prevention and care measures of
preconception care can be optimized.