Prenatal care incentives in Europe

The purpose of the study was to identify prenatal care incentives and benefits in 17 European countries. All participating countries completed a questionnaire on their prenatal care delivery system, incentives and benefits. Results were analyzed according to their direct or indirect relationship with prenatal care attendance. Direct incentives require a prenatal care visit to be eligible for the benefit. Indirect incentives support the pregnant woman but do not require a prenatal care visit to be eligible for the benefit. All 17 countries offer direct incentives, such as paid maternity leave. In 9 countries, pregnant women receive direct financial incentives. Eleven countries offer indirect incentives, such as transportation benefits. Prenatal care incentives such as financial benefits and social supports are widespread in Europe. The combination of incentives superimposed upon an inclusive health care system create a supportive environment which encourages prenatal care attendance.