The participation of prospective fathers in preconception care.

We present the data of male participants in the Coordinating Center of the Hungarian Preconception Service (HPS), Budapest, 1984-2010. One of main objectives of the HPS was the incorporation of male partners of female participants into the preparation of childbirth. The HPS is based on three steps: (I) Reproductive health check-up. (II) A 3-month preparation for conception with the major determinants of the development of new life such as sex, health and/or some diseases. Smoking and illicit drug use cessation and limitation of alcohol intake was suggested in the male participants (III) to achieve optimal conception and better protection of early pregnancy. Pregnant women usually visit prenatal care clinics between the 7th and 12th gestational week when it is too late to reduce the risk of congenital abnormalities. Male participation in HPS will help to enhance use of appropriate preconception methods at the appropriate time.