This one-day workshop will bring together people from across Ireland to establish an Irish preconception health care and research network. People from healthcare service delivery, policy, reproductive healthcare support and representatives from relevant organisations will be invited to attend. This workshop will showcase the experiences of the UK preconception partnership and some of their work to date. We will also have an opportunity to hear about the Scottish and Northern Ireland experiences. There will also be an opportunity to hear about the work already underway in Ireland. Essentially this workshop will create opportunities for strategic collaboration related to care prior to pregnancy.
Preconception care or care before pregnancy has been linked to better outcomes for the mother and baby. It is an intentional way of working by focusing on things that can be changed to reduce the risk to the mother and baby. The time before a woman becomes pregnant is important for the health and development of the baby. Preconception care includes a number of approaches such as health promotion, identifying any known risks and special care for those with any pre-existing medical conditions.
The plan is to include people who have experience of caring for women around the time of pregnancy such as doctors, nurses, midwives, people who work in women’s health clinics, are involved in developing policies and leadership roles. Organisations that support women especially from groups who are often excluded will also be invited.
A short report of the workshop will be written and shared with all those who attend the workshop. Everyone at the workshop will be invited to share their name and contact details. This list along with the report will be shared as part of a network for peope to connect and plan future work together.
