Belgium is releasing almost €11.5 million to better monitor vulnerable mothers during and after pregnancy, Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced on Saturday. From April 2024, the so-called perinatal care process will be rolled out.
Vulnerable mothers (those who are having financial, mental or social difficulties) still regularly appear to be left out in Belgium. About 4% of mothers-to-be have not received or attended the minimum recommended number of prenatal consultations, for example, and 3% did not even see a single healthcare provider during the first important 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Additionally, 20% to 25% of expectant or new parents experience mental health problems due to pregnancy or childbirth, several studies have shown.
Therefore, Vandenbroucke has decided to release €11.468 million for the perinatal care process. "We want to start rolling this out from 1 April, 2024, in close collaboration with the Riziv and the states," he announced in a press release.
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The most important starting point is to ensure that the target group is reached and has access to that process from pre- to postnatal care. Healthcare providers will receive additional training and information to detect such vulnerable situations.
Once they have been "reached," it is important that mothers and babies receive tailor-made care: additionally, there will be a new position of care coordinator – a confidential figure who, in consultation with the mother, ensures that all the necessary steps are followed.
