Background
Antenatal care (ANC) services have played a crucial role in improving women’s health. Both health promotion and prevention of pregnancy complications are essential elements of ANC. Hence ANC made important contributions to the successful reduction of maternal mortality and morbidity rates in Europe. However, women are having children later and especially obesity is increasing. Thus, ANC policies should be responsive to the societal needs. Policies across Europe deviate both from each other and evidence-based practices. This study aims to better understand the underlying assumptions or values presented in the ANC policies.
Methods
According to framing theory, policies communicate certain assumptions through the policy texts. This shapes the tone of the policy and creates underlying values in the policy. Thus, a framing analysis was conducted to analyze publicly available ANC policies in England, Finland, and the Netherlands.
Results
ANC policies in England showed informed consent to be a corner stone in care. Finland emphasized controlling aspects of ANC services. Whereas the Netherlands emphasized the minimal prevention of pregnancy complications in ANC services. Additionally, there were vast differences in the number of pages in the ANC policies, with Finland having the most pages of information available and England the least.
Conclusion
Despite ANC services having similarities, there are vast differences in the underlying assumptions of ANC policies leading to variation in ANC services and possibly putting women in unequal positions during pregnancy. Although controversies and differences to policies in other countries are necessary, they should be fully understood.