[Family planning in Hungary: past and present]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Genetics

Context:

• Congenital abnormalities (CAs) cause 20-25% of infant mortality in industrialized nations.
• CAs are a leading cause of death, often resulting in lifelong disability.
• Prevention is the most effective strategy for managing CAs due to the difficulty of complete recovery.

Purpose:

• To highlight the critical role of periconceptional care in preventing congenital abnormalities and preterm birth.
• To emphasize the effectiveness of folic acid supplementation in reducing the incidence of neural-tube defects (NTDs).
• To propose the integration of periconceptional folic acid/multivitamin supplementation into existing Family Planning Services in Hungary.

Summary:

• Periconceptional care, initiated three months prior to conception and extending through the first trimester, is designed to mitigate risks of CAs and preterm birth.
• Research over 25 years confirms that folic acid supplementation during the periconceptional period can prevent many CAs, especially NTDs.
• Hungary's established Family Planning Service model provides an ideal framework for implementing periconceptional folic acid/multivitamin supplementation for primary prevention of birth defects.

Impact:

• Reduced incidence of congenital abnormalities and associated infant mortality.
• Improved pregnancy outcomes and long-term health for newborns.
• Strengthened public health initiatives through evidence-based preventive strategies.