Barriers to preconception health
Challenges such as health literacy, lack of professional training, language barriers, and discrimination can make discussions about preconception health harder.
Engaging in conversations
You will need to approach preconception health discussions with sensitivity, framing it as part of routine care. This helps individuals reflect on their health and make informed decisions without pressure.
Motivational interviewing
Try to use open-ended questions, active listening, and reflection encourages a non-judgmental atmosphere where individuals feel supported.
Involving partners and family
Encouraging partners to participate in preconception health discussions creates a shared responsibility, benefiting both partners' health and future pregnancy outcomes.
Culturally sensitive approaches
Wherever possible, learn about the cultural norms and practices of the communities you serve and respect individual differences to build trust and improve communication.
Learn about the cultural norms, values, and beliefs related to reproductive health within the community you serve. This includes understanding traditional views on fertility, pregnancy, and family planning.
Many cultures have specific practices or beliefs surrounding conception and pregnancy. Be mindful that some women and people may seek advice from cultural or religious leaders, rely on traditional medicine, or hold spiritual views about health.
Not everyone adheres strictly to cultural norms. It is essential to approach each person as an individual rather than making assumptions based on their cultural background.
Acknowledge that as a practitioner, you may not fully understand every aspect of a person’s culture and be open to learning from the individual or community.
Female genital mutilation and pregnancy
A midwife asks all pregnant women whether they have been cut regardless of their background or where they were born.
If someone you work with discloses that they have undergone FGM then there are additional things to consider. Some women with FGM may find it difficult to become pregnant, and those who do conceive can have problems in childbirth.
Support and advice on female genital mutilation can be found on the NHS and at National FGM support clinics.
LGBT+
Find out about starting a family if someone Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Non-binary.
NHS - having a baby if you're LGBT+
Physical disability
If someone has a physical disability, they might need extra support when they are planning a pregnancy and during your pregnancy. They should be advised to talk to their doctor about what they might need.
Birthrights - disability and long-term health conditions and maternity care.
If someone has a learning disability, they might need extra support when they are planning a pregnancy and during your pregnancy.
They should be advised to talk to their doctor about what they might need.
Action plan
When helping to achieve health goals, it is helpful to firstly think about small changes, for example, ask "What is one small change that could be made this month to improve their health?"
Provide resources, educational materials, and referrals to specialists or programs that can support their preconception health goals.
Ensure all information is in an accessible format and the correct language.
Consider people’s ‘health literacy’. The average reading age is between 9 and 11 years, so any information shared needs to take this into account.
Training and awareness for staff
Train staff, including non-clinical personnel, on the importance of health promotion and how to deliver key messages effectively.
Conduct awareness campaigns within your organisations to highlight the potential for health improvement in every interaction.
Referral pathways for specialised support
Signposting and further information
Integrated sexual health service (Derby and Derbyshire)
Relationships and sexual health advice, free STI testing, contraception, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Your Sexual Health Matters
Your Sexual Health Matters provides sexual health information, clinical services, and practical advice and support to people living in Derby and Derbyshire. email dchst.yoursexualhealthmatters@nhs.net or telephone 0800 328 3383
Brook
National Young Persons Sex and Relationships charity. They offer information and provide resources for relationships and sex education. Visit Brook.
Derbyshire Community Health Services (0 to 19 services)
The Derbyshire Family Health Service is delivered through the Healthy Child Programme. It offers a comprehensive programme of screening, immunisations, developmental reviews, information, and guidance to support parenting and healthy choices which enhance a child or young person's life chances. Visit Derbyshire Community Health Services or view the Derbyshire Community Health Services ( A-Z list of services).