Table 2 Quotes from the focus group sessions

The Concept of Preconception Care

 F4, P4, female. “Well, I was a bit sober about it. I thought I’m only trying for 6 months now, so there’s no need to visit a midwife yet. But indeed, when it gets promoted that you can visit them from the moment you’re seriously considering [pregnancy], then the step to go would be easier. I would’ve attended [PCC].”

 F4, P2, female. “Often people think you have to try for yourself first. I think that when it [PCC] gets more accessible, people will attend sooner. People make it too big. I would have probably attended as well.”

The value of Preconception Care

 F4, P1, female. “I always get kind of afraid from these blogs and forums. It’s all kind of hysterical. One person tells this and the other person tells that, I never believe in those things and prefer to get my information from professionals.”

 F5, P4, female. “I would value the customized information. On the Internet you read general things and advices. I would like to get specific information for my own situation, for my uncertainties and feeling of, well, fear. Customized care.”

 F6, P2, male. “You can find so many contradictory information on the Internet. When you can speak to someone face to face who has the expertise it is reliable. Especially when you get into a phase in which becoming pregnant doesn’t succeed, it could be nice to talk with someone like that. Or in case you have doubts, use medication or smoke being the male partner. That you can ask questions.”

 F6, P3, male. “I think that men are more hesitant to go. Maybe they think: well if my wife knows, I will hear it from her. They might be less enthusiastic to attend, while it is very important that men do.”

Intrinsic motivation and responsibility for PCC

 F5, P1, female. “That you can deliver a healthy child, in a way that is healthy for you as a woman.”

 F1, P2, female. “You are responsible. Eventually you knowingly made the choice for a baby. It doesn’t happen suddenly. It is a living being in your belly and personally I think that you have to behave responsibly.”

 F2, P5, female. “I am convinced that a health professional has a relationship with his patient that goes beyond the patient’s demands. You should strive for optimal care which sometimes includes giving unsolicited advice.”