Original studyHelsedirektoratet (Norwegian Directorate of Health), national guideline for postnatal care (revised), 2026Read the paper →
Every new mother in Norway should now be asked about her mental health at each consultation in the weeks after birth, under a revised national guideline for postnatal care. The guideline, published by the Norwegian Directorate of Health on 29 October 2026, aims to catch signs of mental health problems as early as possible and make sure women who need help are referred on.
Why the change matters
According to the directorate, postnatal depression is among the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth. About one in 10 women in Norway experience depressive symptoms during pregnancy or after birth, and around 5% develop more serious depression. The directorate notes that when a new mother develops postnatal depression, the whole family is affected.
Large emotional swings after birth are normal, which can make it hard to tell an ordinary reaction from a more serious condition. Early signs can also be difficult to spot. For that reason, the directorate recommends that mental health is raised in every conversation with new mothers.
The national broadcaster NRK reported that, until now, follow-up of new mothers’ mental health had been haphazard. According to NRK, health authorities have in recent years faced strong criticism for sending women home from hospital before they felt confident in their new situation, and the Norwegian Board of Health Supervision has found through its inspections that new mothers with mental health difficulties do not always get the help they need. NRK also reported that sleep is now given more attention.
What the new recommendation looks like
The guideline gives health professionals concrete examples of open, exploratory questions they can use to identify mental health problems or disorders. It also adds an overview of symptoms and signs staff should watch for after birth.
The wording is a recommendation rather than a legal duty. In Norwegian guidelines, the words “should” and “recommends” signal a strong professional recommendation, and health professionals who do not follow it must justify and record their reasons. Speaking to NRK, the director of health explained that “must” can only be used when it is backed by law, and said the directorate will look at whether the wording is understood as intended across the health service.
Support for vulnerable families
A new recommendation covers follow-up of mothers and newborns in vulnerable life situations, to improve how these families are identified and supported. The guideline also advises health professionals to raise violence as a topic, and to do so more than once, to help detect and prevent violence and abuse against women and children.
Physical activity also gets its own recommendation. Health professionals should offer guidance so women can gradually return to suitable activity and pelvic floor training. The directorate says getting active after birth can help prevent blood clots and mental health problems.
Other changes include opening up digital follow-up after leaving hospital, clearer information at discharge, and moving the recommended postnatal check to between four and eight weeks after birth.
The directorate will also run a national survey of women who give birth during 2027, with the first contacted in March 2027, to learn how they experience pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care. Psychreg has previously reported on how group singing may ease postnatal depression.
If you are in Norway and need to talk, Mental Helse is free on 116 123, around the clock, and Kirkens SOS is on 22 40 00 40, around the clock. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans is free on 116 123.
