[History of the German antenatal record ("mutterpass") and its need for updating]

The German antenatal record, the "Mutterpass", is the most important document in German antenatal care. Following its introduction in 1968, subsequent editions were adapted to take account of successive revisions of the German maternity guidelines ("Mutterschaftsrichtlinien"). Before 1995, however, no details giving evidence for or explaining the reasons for the modifications to the maternity guidelines were included. While the maternity guidelines have been regularly updated, particularly with regard to serological findings and ultrasound examinations, the risk catalogue included in the "Mutterpass" has not, but has remained unchanged since 1986. Just one risk factor out of the 52 items listed suffices to define a pregnant woman as being at high risk during childbirth.

The history of the risk catalogue shows that its revision is essential to meet current health science requirements. Likewise, arguments for an evidence-based revision of the items of the risk catalogue are to be found in current literature.