A review of preconception care policy, guidelines and recommendations across five european counties.

Purpose: Preconception care is important for screening, prevention & management of risk factors that affect pregnancy outcomes and the future health of families. The Pre-Preg Network is formed of researchers and clinicians who have collaborated to develop preconception care research across Europe. A programme of research has been developed that will enable better understanding of the bio-psychosocial, cultural and economic factors affecting pre-pregnancy care across Europe. An initial study was undertaken to review and provide a baseline comparison of current policies, guidelines and recommendations for pre-pregnancy care in Europe. Methods: An examination and review of pre-pregnancy information available to healthcare professionals and the general public was undertaken in a selection of European countries. Searches included published guidelines and recommendations from professional bodies, organisations, charities and from country specific web based resources. Results: Few definitive published guidelines were found for healthy women and men in the preconception period in any country. Most countries ascertained information for women with specific conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy. Antenatal care and pregnancy guidelines were found which alluded to the requirement for good health before pregnancy and included advice about folic acid supplementation before conception. Differences were seen with regard to nutritional and lifestyle advice. Conclusions: Collaborative research across Europe is required in order to develop evidence based European policy for pre-pregnancy health and care.