The service has become mandatory in hospitals and medical centers.

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The "Regulation on the Principles and Procedures of Services Related to Birth through Pregnancy Schools" prepared by the Ministry of Health has been published in the Official Gazette.

According to the regulation, which regulates details such as the opening of pregnancy schools, personnel standards, and training principles, it will be mandatory to open pregnancy schools in hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Health, university hospitals, and private hospitals, as well as medical centers that operate in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Pregnancy schools can be opened in primary healthcare institutions affiliated with the Ministry, as well as in clinics and practices operating in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, under the responsibility of a responsible physician and in the presence of a coordinator midwife.

EDUCATION AND CONSULTATION SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED

For every pregnant woman who is in the last 3 months of her pregnancy and has not previously undergone a cesarean section, a midwife will be assigned by the management of the place where she will give birth to provide education and consultation services aimed at normal delivery. Only health professionals will be allowed to provide education and consultation services to pregnant women within the framework of their professional definitions. No other professional, whether an individual or a legal entity, will be allowed to offer services to pregnant women under names such as "consultation, guidance, companionship, or coaching (doula)" outside of the relevant health professionals.

CONDITIONS FOR OPENING A PREGNANCY SCHOOL

Healthcare institutions wishing to open a pregnancy school will need to apply through the Integrated Corporate Processing Platform (EKİP). Relevant directorates will form commissions consisting of experts to evaluate the applications. Pregnancy schools deemed suitable after the review will be issued a registration certificate. This registration certificate will be sent to the Ministry of Health to be recorded in the healthcare institution's operating license.

Pregnancy schools will be equipped with training rooms, waiting and consultation areas, and, if possible, activity and exercise rooms. Training rooms will be designed to accommodate at least 8 participants, with a minimum of 1.5 square meters for each participant, providing a pregnancy-friendly environment. The school will receive natural light and will be organized in accordance with privacy rules, responding adequately to needs in terms of electricity, lighting, ventilation, and other technical equipment, while being distanced from units that use radiation. The room used as a training room must be independent of other rooms, except for common areas. The walls of pregnancy schools will be required to be white, and there will be paintings, drawings, and inscriptions on the walls that can create positive feelings in pregnant women.

WORKING AND EDUCATIONAL PRINCIPLES

In pregnancy schools, a gynecologist and obstetrician will serve as the responsible physician, along with a full-time coordinator midwife. Additionally, if necessary, health professionals such as dietitians, physiotherapists, and psychologists may also be assigned. Pregnancy schools will provide education and consultation services related to prenatal, birth preparation, and postnatal processes. Trainings can be conducted both face-to-face and online. Additionally, high-risk pregnant women will be referred to secondary or tertiary healthcare institutions. According to the training program, the responsible physician and coordinator midwife will plan and implement training based on participant numbers and physical conditions. Records of the services provided within the framework of education, consultation, exercise programs, and applications will be kept accurately, completely, and in a timely manner.

All services provided will be conducted in accordance with patient rights legislation, medical deontology, professional and ethical principles, and the safety of patients and staff. The individual differences of those benefiting from the services will be taken into account, and privacy and cultural values will be respected.