When people are informed about the risks, and are given practical steps to reduce them, they become more confident to take control of their health and the health of their unborn child.
In turn, increased confidence can lead to healthier behaviours and better health for parents and children.
That is why we have developed this preconception toolkit to help anyone working with groups who may be at risk of experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, are considering becoming pregnant or are already pregnant.
Healthy habits that are put in place before conception can continue throughout life, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving quality of life.
Reducing avoidable health risks can lead to better physical and mental development which impacts a child’s health and quality of life.
Promoting preconception health increases knowledge and awareness about the importance of healthy lifestyles.
Educating people who may at some point become pregnant about the risk factors that can affect pregnancy - such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and chronic health conditions - can help reduce risks and promote healthier behaviours before conception.
Health outcomes in pregnancy and childbirth are often worse for marginalised and underserved communities, such as those with lower incomes, ethnic minorities, and people living in rural areas.
By promoting equitable access to preconception care, we can help reduce disparities.
The toolkit
The toolkit aims to help anyone working with women and people of reproductive age, to have conversations around healthy behaviours before conception and during pregnancy.
It provides guidance and resources to help people take part in meaningful conversations about their health, regardless of whether they are thinking about becoming pregnant or not.
The toolkit aims to give you and your staff the knowledge and tools necessary to promote healthy lifestyle choices and help people to make informed decisions about their future.
Preconception health is not often considered in routine conversations outside of health care venues.
So, whether people are planning a pregnancy, unsure about having children, or not actively preventing pregnancy, this toolkit emphasises the importance of overall health and wellness in preparing for a healthy future.
The language used throughout the toolkit
Each Derbyshire family is unique, with a wide range of dynamics, including varying sexualities, ethnicities, ages, disabilities, and backgrounds.
We aim to be as inclusive as possible in the language that we use.
Throughout our toolkit we have used the terms “women” “pregnant people” and “mothers” as shorthand to recognise and include everyone, regardless of their gender identity.
We recognise, however, that the barriers faced by non-binary individuals may not be the same barriers faced by those who identify as women.
We are committed to using inclusive language and welcome your feedback.