Title
Pre-conception counselling in primary care: Prevalence of risk factors among couples contemplating pregnancy
Author
de Pal van der-Bruin, K.M.
le Cessie, S.
Elsinga, J.
Jong de-Potjer, L.C.
van Haeringen, A.
Knuistingh Neven, A.
Verloove-Vanhorick, S.P.
Assendelft, P.
TNO Kwaliteit van Leven
Publication year
2008
Abstract
The outcome of pregnancy can be influenced by several risk factors. Women who are informed about these risks during pre-conception counselling (PCC) have an opportunity to take preventive measures in time. Several studies have shown that high-risk populations have a high prevalence of such risk factors. However, prevalence in the general population, which is assumed to be low risk, is largely unknown. We therefore provided a systematic programme of PCC for the general population and studied the prevalence of risk factors using the risk-assessment questionnaire which was part of the PCC. None of the couples reported no risk factors at all and only 2% of the couples reported risk factors for which written information was considered to be sufficient. Therefore, 98% of all couples reported one or more risk factors for which at least personal counselling by a general practitioner (GP) was indicated. Many of these factors were related to an unhealthy lifestyle. Women with a low level of education reported more risk factors than women with a high level of education. There is a great need for PCC as shown by the fact that almost all couples reported risk factors for which personal counselling was indicated. Pre-conception counselling may reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome by enabling couples to avoid these risks. PCC can be provided by GPs, who have the necessary medical knowledge and background information to counsel couples who wish to have a baby. © 2008 The Authors.
Subject
Health
Jeugd en Gezondheid
Maternal education
Preconception counselling
Risk factors
adult
alcohol consumption
article
body weight
cigarette smoking
controlled study
dietary intake
educational status
female
general practitioner
human
lifestyle
male
maternal care
occupational exposure
parent counseling
pregnancy outcome
prevalence
primary medical care
questionnaire
risk assessment
risk factor
substance abuse
Adolescent
Adult
Counseling
Family Characteristics
Family Practice
Female
Health Behavior
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Life Style
Male
Preconception Care
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications
Questionnaires
Risk Factors
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:e5758154-86d5-414e-baf4-e120866b017c
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3016.2008.00930.x
TNO identifier
240782
ISSN
0269-5022
Source
Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, 22 (3), 280-287
Document type
article