New French Pregnancy Record: Updates & Focus on Postpartum Mental Health 2025

A modernized maternal health booklet is set to be implemented in France, building on recent updates to child health records. Established by a decree on December 19, 2025, this revised document aims to provide enhanced support for expectant mothers throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. The new model is currently available for review on the Ministry of Health’s website.

A Five-Part Structure

The updated maternal health booklet is organized into five key sections. These include information and advice, divided into four phases – discovering pregnancy, living well during pregnancy, childbirth and hospital stay, and returning home and the postpartum period. It also contains medical information related to perinatal monitoring, serving as a supplement to the obstetrical medical record.

Further sections are dedicated to resources for healthcare professionals to improve coordination of care, a list of useful websites to guide parents to reliable sources, and information on local support services.

Did You Know? The maternal health booklet is delivered free of charge by the departmental council during the first prenatal examination, before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy.

Focus on Mental Health

A significant update centres on raising awareness of postpartum depression. The new version details signs to watch for in new mothers, including feeling sad for no apparent reason, experiencing memory loss, or having unrealistic anxieties about the baby.

The booklet emphasizes that these conditions are treatable and encourages women to seek support by talking to their partner, a loved one, or a healthcare professional.

New Medical Information Included

The booklet also expands its medical content with additional information. It’s designed to be presented at each medical consultation, whether with a doctor, midwife, in a clinic, hospital, or maternal and infant protection center (PMI), continuing until the end of the postpartum period, which lasts 6 to 8 weeks after birth.

Expert Insight: The emphasis on mental health within this updated booklet reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by new mothers and the importance of early intervention. Providing clear information about postpartum depression and encouraging open communication could be a crucial step in reducing stigma and improving access to care.

The maternal health booklet is a confidential document, protected by medical confidentiality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the new maternal health booklet?

The new booklet aims to better support women throughout their pregnancy and the postpartum period, from the beginning of pregnancy until after birth.

When will the new booklet be available?

The booklet is established by a decree from December 19, 2025, and is currently available for review on the Ministry of Health’s website.

How long should the booklet be kept?

The booklet should be brought to each medical consultation until the end of the postpartum period, which lasts 6 to 8 weeks after birth.

How might increased awareness of postpartum depression, as highlighted in the new booklet, impact the experiences of new mothers and their families?