Care Path

Pregnant women can register a referral midwife for pregnancy follow-up

Publié le 22 novembre 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)

A decree issued in Official Journal on 11 november 2023, a status of referral midwife was established. The mother has a role as the main contact person for pregnant women throughout their pregnancy and in the months following their delivery.

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Image 1Crédits: Monkey Business - stock.adobe.com

Pregnant women may appoint a referral midwife as soon as their condition is diagnosed, and at the latest before the end of their fifth month of pregnancy. During this period, they can also change their midwife referral if they wish.

Among its main tasks:

  • make the majority of or verify with the patient that follow-up appointments for pregnancy and postnatal care are being made;
  • ensure a preventive role throughout pregnancy and after the birth of the baby (inform the patient to prevent postpartum depression to the maximum, transmit information about the vaccination, ensure that she has carried out the oral examination intended for pregnant women, give personalized advice on nutrition and hygiene of life...);
  • ensure that the mother is followed up at home after her discharge from maternity;
  • notify the treating physician of the patient's discharge from the maternity ward and inform him/her in case of particular difficulties;
  • inform her patient of her rights and the administrative steps she must take in connection with her pregnancy and the birth of her child;

However, the referral midwife is not required to:

  • ultrasonography of the pregnancy, if not done;
  • Pregnancy follow-up medical examinations, if done in the maternity ward.

Reminder

the status of registered midwife was provided for by the law of 26 april 2021 on improving the health system through trust and simplification. It states that the role of the referring midwife is “to promote the coordination of care in conjunction with the doctor, during and after pregnancy.”

How do I declare my midwife as a referee?

The patient and midwife complete and sign 2 copies of the Cerfa form for this device :

  • 1 copy for the patient (to be sent by post to her primary health insurance fund);
  • and 1 other for the referent midwife.

In addition, the pregnant woman can enter the name of the referring midwife in her medical profile “my health space” in the section “my health professionals”.

The referral midwife’s follow-up ends 14 weeks after delivery.

Please note

the referent midwives shall be paid by lump sum for this mission. This package is 100% covered under maternity insurance, and patients do not have to pay to advance these costs.

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