prekonseptiotukea

Preconception support, or prekonseptiotukea in Finnish, refers to health care services and guidance provided to individuals of reproductive age before attempting conception, with the aim of improving maternal and child health and reducing risks during pregnancy.

Key components of preconception support include risk assessment, medical optimization, vaccinations, folic acid supplementation, and lifestyle counseling on smoking, alcohol use, and nutrition. It also covers management of chronic conditions, medication review to avoid teratogenic drugs, mental health screening, and planning for pregnancy with individualized care or referral to specialists when needed.

Delivery of preconception support occurs through primary care, family or maternity clinics, reproductive health services, and public health nursing. Services may be offered as one-on-one counseling, group education, or digital resources, and are often integrated with routine health checks and family planning to reach people before pregnancy is pursued.

Target groups include individuals planning pregnancy, those with chronic diseases or infectious risk factors, and their partners. The approach also emphasizes reaching adolescents and other high-risk or underserved populations, with a focus on equity and accessibility.

Evidence and challenges: preconception care is endorsed by international bodies such as the World Health Organization and professional associations. When implemented effectively, it is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes and reduced congenital risks, though the strength of evidence varies by context. Barriers include limited awareness among the public and providers, access and resource constraints, time pressures, and the need for culturally appropriate, person-centered approaches.