Since October 2020, the GP contract regulations have included a mandatory requirement for GPs to offer a dedicated 6-8 week postnatal check for mothers, in addition to the routine baby check. This applies to all mothers following both live and stillbirths, ensuring that maternal health and wellbeing are given appropriate attention during the critical postpartum period.
In line with NICE guidance, the maternal postnatal check should focus on the following key areas:
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing – Using open questioning, GPs should assess the mother’s mental health, screen for signs of postnatal depression or anxiety, and provide support or referrals where needed.
Physical Recovery After Childbirth – Identifying any complications or concerns, such as perineal healing, caesarean section recovery, or early signs of pelvic health issues, including urinary incontinence or prolapse.
Family Planning and Contraception – Discussing contraceptive options and future pregnancy planning, ensuring mothers have access to informed choices about their reproductive health.
Ongoing Management of Pre-existing or Pregnancy-Related Conditions – Addressing medical conditions that were present before or developed during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, thyroid disorders, or hypertension, to ensure appropriate ongoing care.
Following a birth, the maternity unit will notify the mother’s registered GP practice of the outcome and any relevant clinical concerns. Upon receiving this notification, the practice should proactively schedule an appointment for the mother at 6-8 weeks postpartum, aligning with the timing of the routine baby check.
Where possible, scheduling the maternal and baby checks together can be beneficial as:
It reduces the need for multiple trips to the surgery, easing the logistical burden on new parents.
It allows the GP to observe mother-baby bonding and interaction, providing additional insight into the family’s overall wellbeing.
However, some mothers may prefer separate appointments, and practices should offer flexibility to accommodate individual preferences.
To support the delivery of this requirement, additional funding has been incorporated into the core GP contract. Practices are encouraged to make full use of these resources to ensure high-quality postnatal care for mothers, improving long-term maternal and infant health outcomes.
For further guidance, please refer to the latest NICE postnatal care recommendations or contact the LMC for additional support and resources.