Postpartum check-ups with general practitioners in Norway: a cross-sectional survey of attendance, content and patient satisfaction

A postpartum check-up regarding women’s health and well-being is recommended four to eight weeks after giving birth. We aimed to study postpartum check-ups with General Practitioners (GPs) in Norway. We assessed attendance, importance of key topics, check-up content and patient satisfaction. We conducted a cross-sectional countywide survey among women who gave birth in the hospitals in Nord-Trøndelag in Norway from 2021 to 2022. Women reported whether they attended the postpartum check-up, and reasons for non-attendance. Women who attended with their GP reported the importance of key topics, which topics were discussed, and which physical examinations were performed. We assessed patient satisfaction and identified factors associated with satisfaction using logistic regression analyses. Out of 1,119 invited women, 351 (31.4%) responded. Among the responders, 254 (72.4%) attended the postpartum check-up; 211 with the GP, 40 with a municipal midwife and 3 in the hospital. Women with pre-existing conditions and adverse pregnancy outcomes did not attend more frequently than those in good health. Reasons for not attending included not having a regular GP, feeling check-up was unnecessary, low satisfaction with previous check-ups and lack of knowledge about check-ups. Labour, contraception, breastfeeding and genital birth injuries were rated as the most important topics. These topics, in addition to mental health, were most frequently discussed. Check-ups covered a median of eight topics, and 34% included a gynecological examination. More than half of the women (55%) were satisfied with the check-up with the GP. For each additional topic discussed, the odds of satisfaction increased by 38% (OR 1.38, CI 1.3–1.5). Discussing labour (OR 5.9, CI 2.1–16.3) and having a gynecological examination (OR 7.6, CI 2.4–23.6) were strongly associated with being satisfied with the check-up. More than one in four women missed the postpartum check-up, losing a key opportunity for support and health promotion. The majority of women were satisfied with the GP check-up. Satisfaction was strongly associated with the number of topics addressed, discussing labour experiences, and including a gynecological examination. Adopting a personalized and comprehensive approach could encourage higher attendance and increase patient satisfaction.