The Importance of Pre-Marriage Preconceptional Care and the Counseling Role of Midwives

Abstract

Introduction: Preconceptional care is an important opportunity to identify risk factors affecting the pregnancy process and to provide appropriate care. In this study; it was aimed to provide preventive health services related to reproductive health to couples who applied for marriage and to emphasize the importance of midwives in preconceptional care services. Method: The population of the descriptive study consisted of couples who applied to Izmir Bornova Municipality Marriage Office between June 15, 2016 and June 15, 2017. Sample selection was not made, all couples who agreed to participate and were given counseling formed the sample (n: 126). Data were collected through a questionnaire using face-to-face interview method, and their analyzes were presented in the SPSS 20.0 package program by making a percentage distribution. Results: The average age of women is 26.0±4.0 (min:18.0-max:42.0). It was determined that 91.2% of the participants planned pregnancy after getting married. 42.6% of those planning pregnancy use cigarette, 33.9% use alcohol, only 20.9% exercise regularly. 96.0% of the participants stated that consultancy should be given before getting married, 30.2% of them stated that this training should be given by experts and 19.0% by midwives. Discussion and Conclusion: In our study, where we evaluated the application for marriage as an opportunity and offered preconceptional counseling, it was determined that the participants planning pregnancy had risky lifestyle behaviors and wanted to receive formal training from experts. It is thought that preconceptional counseling, which will be given by midwives by expanding its scope within the scope of primary health care services, will contribute to harmony in marriage and the formation of healthy generations.