New Maternity Records: What’s Changing?

The maternity record aims to provide pregnant women with clear information on the progress of their pregnancy. He accompanies them to every medical consultation until the end of the post-partum period (i.e. 6 to 8 weeks after birth) since the 90s.

But, he will take a facelift on March 1, 2026 in order to provide information, particularly on the postpartum period, which takes into account the latest recommendations from the High Council of Public Health.

A maternity notebook redesigned to raise awareness of the risk of postpartum depression

The update of the maternity booklet is based on a decree of December 19, 2025 which requires that this booklet contain “useful information in prevention and health promotion, from pregnancy to postpartum with the aim of improving the health of women and newborns, in accordance with current scientific recommendations and knowledge”.

This new version is particularly more precise on the risks of postpartum depression. For example, it presents the different signs of this disorder, including:

• feeling sad, depressed, for no apparent reason;
• have memory loss;
• have unrealistic anxieties about your baby.

The document adds that this type of depression is treatable. He also insists on the need not to remain alone in the face of one’s psychological difficulties. You should talk to your partner, a loved one and/or a healthcare professional in order to get help.

Vaccination record, screening: more precise information with the new version

Improving prevention and awareness of postpartum depression is not the only change in this new generation maternity notebook. Information has also been added on:

• vaccinations carried out during pregnancy;
• screening for the risk of Down syndrome;
• screening for gestational diabetes (carried out if there are risk factors).

The new model, issued by the departmental councils from 1^is March, now has 5 main parts:

• information and advice (I discover my pregnancy; get through my pregnancy well; childbirth and the stay in the maternity ward; returning home and the post-partum period)
• medical elements;
• resources for healthcare professionals;
• useful websites;
• resources on my territory.

During the presentation of the maternity booklet, the government recalled that this booklet is “also used to facilitate coordination between the different health professionals who support the pregnant woman” and must be brought to each medical consultation until the end of the post-delivery period.