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Pregnancy and birth: When you become a parent

Becoming a parent in Denmark: What you need to know about your pregnancy, giving birth, registrations and residence permit for the child etc.

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Pregnant – what's next?

Once you have taken a positive pregnancy test, you are offered to book an appointment for your first pregnancy consultation with your family doctor (also called a general practitioner, GP).

You are welcome to bring a partner along with you.

What happens at the first pregnancy consultation?

  • Your pregnancy will be registered by your family doctor (GP), who will send a referral to your chosen maternity unit. You will then be invited to attend ultrasound scans and appointments with a midwife at the hospital.

  • You may also be offered blood tests and other examinations, depending on your individual needs and circumstances.

  • During the consultation, your family doctor will explain the services available throughout your pregnancy, including ultrasound scans and antenatal care. You will also discuss your options for where to give birth and be referred to as the maternity unit of your choice.

  • Depending on your medical history and personal situation, additional tests and examinations may be recommended.

  • The app 'Min Graviditet' (My Pregnancy) is the primary digital platform for pregnant women to access and view health information shared between their family doctor and the maternity unit as part of their maternity care (previously, the information was record in a paper maternity record, known in Danish as vandrejournal').

The app 'Min Graviditet' (My Pregnancy)

Since June 2026, pregnant women have been able to view results from examinations and ultrasound scans, as well as clinical notes from consultations, by logging into the app 'Min Graviditet' using the Danish national eID called MitID. The app and its other features can still be used without logging in with MitID. However, access to individual pregnancy information requires login with MitID.

Read more about the app under the heading 'Download the pregnancy app Min Graviditet (My Pregnancy)' on this page:

The basic principle of the Danish welfare system is that all citizens have equal rights to social security. The majority of healthcare services are financed by general taxes and mainly provided free of charge.

If you have a Danish civil registration number (CPR number), you are covered by the national health insurance. Your visits with your family doctor (GP) are free of charge, and the same applies for the midwife consultations, 2 ultrasound scans at the hospital (around weeks 12 and 20) and your birth and potential stay at the hospital after the birth.

You are also entitled to visits from a health visitor (sundhedsplejerske) in your own home after the birth. A health visitor is a nurse with special training in child health and development. These visits are also free of charge.

Not covered by the national health insurance?

If you are not a resident in Denmark, or if you, for other reasons, are not covered by the Danish national health insurance, you may have to cover the costs yourself. Talk to your family doctor (GP) or the hospital to find out which rules apply to you. 

Consultations with your family doctor (GP) and midwife

When you or your partner are pregnant, you will be offered a number of consultations to ensure that you and your baby have the best possible pregnancy. The consultations are free of charge and are offered to you by your own family doctor (GP) and a midwife in the local area or at the hospital. If you have an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth, your GP and a midwife will be your primary healthcare representatives – you will not see an obstetrician (a doctor who focuses on pregnancy and birth).

  • Family doctor (GP): You have 3 consultations (weeks 6-10, week 25 and week 32 of the pregnancy), if you have an uncomplicated pregnancy.
  • Midwife: You have around 4 to 7 consultations with a midwife, if you have an uncomplicated pregnancy. The number of visits depends on when you give birth (before or past your due date).

The consultations are designed to provide advice about the pregnancy and prepare you for the birth. The midwife will also listen to the baby's heartbeat and feel how the baby lies within the womb. 

You book the consultations with your family doctor (GP) yourself. The midwife consultations are booked for you – you will receive information about time and date via Digital Post.

Offer of ultrasound scans

All pregnant women are offered 2 ultrasound scans during pregnancy to monitor whether the foetus is developing as it should. It is voluntary to participate. You often have to book an appointment for the first ultrasound scan yourself.

  1. The first ultrasound scan, called the 1st trimester ultrasound scan, takes place in weeks 11 to 13 of pregnancy. The purposes of the 1st trimester scan are 1) to confirm that the foetus is alive, 2) to determine the number of foetuses and 3) to set a more precise due date. You will be offered a risk assessment, which can tell you the likelihood of the baby having a chromosomal abnormality such as Down syndrome. If you want a risk assessment, you should have a blood sample (called the double test) taken too. Where you have the blood sample taken, might depend on the region you live in. Talk to your GP or midwife, if you are unsure of what to do.
  2. The second ultrasound scan, called the 2nd trimester ultrasound scan, takes place in weeks 18 to 21 of pregnancy. The purposes of the 2nd trimester scan are 1) to examine the growth of the foetus, 2) to determine the location of the placenta and 3) to scan the foetus for congenital malformations.

Free influenza vaccination during autumn and winter

The influenza vaccine is free for pregnant women in their 2nd or 3rd trimester during autumn and winter.

Pregnant women have an increased risk of complications if they get influenza and therefore the Danish Health Authority recommends that pregnant women get vaccinated.

Book an appointment at a vaccination clinic

The influenza vaccine is offered in a regional vaccination clinic from 1 October and until the end of December. You must book an appointment yourself at www.vacciner.dk.

Free vaccination against RS virus from 1 May to 31 January

Vaccination against RS virus is free for pregnant women and will be offered at the family doctor (GP) during the regular pregnancy visit in week 32. The purpose is to protect the new-born child against severe RSV disease.

Free vaccination against pertussis year-round

Vaccination against pertussis (whooping cough) is free for pregnant women and can be administered from the 2nd trimester and until 1 week before planned birth. The purpose is to protect the new-born child until it gets vaccinated itself.

The vaccination against pertussis is offered at the family doctor (GP), usually in connection with the regular pregnancy visit in week 25.

Regarding food

When you are pregnant, food can affect your baby while it is growing inside your belly. Follow the official dietary advice from the Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency.

It is recommended to take supplements of folic acid, vitamin D and iron. Also, make sure to get calcium through diet or supplements.

Regarding exercise

Physical activity during pregnancy is beneficial for both you and your baby. The Danish Health Authority recommends physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day. There are a few important precautions regarding for instance hard exercise and contact sports. 

Find the leaflet 'Healthy habits – before, during and after pregnancy' at the website of the Danish Health Authority. The leaflet is available in English and a number of other languages: 

Smoking and alcohol

Smoking, nicotine and alcohol are harmful to your baby and the baby's development throughout pregnancy.

Many municipalities have programmes that support your health. Talk to your doctor (GP) or midwife – or contact the municipality to find out more.

Family counselling and support

Pregnancy is a life-changing event and can be a life crisis, and some people may need counselling or help with finances, relationships or previous experiences during pregnancy or childbirth.

Talk to your family doctor (GP), midwife or health visitor (sundhedsplejerske) if you have any concerns about pregnancy or the first time as a parent. They can provide advice and possibly refer you to additional services.

Private organisations such as Mødrehjælpen can also support you. 

Domestic violence

Domestic violence is a public health problem that has vast physical, psychological, social and economic consequenses for those exposed, as well as for children witnessing the violence.

All forms of violence are illegal in Denmark, including domestic violence and violence against children.

Violence can be both physical and psychological – but also stalking and sexual violence, economic, material and digital violence are examples of different types of violence.

If you are a victim of violence while you are pregnant or as a new parent, it is important that you seek help – for instance from your midwife, health visitor (sundhedsplejerske) or general practitioner (GP). You can also contact the hotline Lev Uden Vold (Live Without Violence):

How can pregnancy apps help you?

Pregnancy apps can support you during pregnancy and the early postpartum period by offering general guidance. They often include advice on health and well-being, and provide information about what to expect during pregnancy, birth, and life with a new-born baby. 

'Min Graviditet' – app from Danish public authorities

'Min Graviditet' (My Pregnancy) is an app created by the Danish healthcare system. It provides information about pregnancy, labour and the first 8 weeks after birth.

In the app, you can:

  • View your pregnancy information:
    You can view the information recorded during your pregnancy, including your gestational age, due date, examinations, measurements, and health information.

  • Receive week-by-week information:
    When you log in with MitID, the Danish eID, your due date is updated automatically, so you receive information relevant to your current state of pregnancy.

    Your family members and other loved ones can also use the app to follow your pregnancy by entering your due date in the app. However, they will not have access to your medical information.

  • View your previous appointments:
    You can get an overview of your appointments with your family doctor/general practitioner (GP) and midwife, as well as your ultrasound scans. Under the tab called 'Forløb', you can also see an example of the appointments typically included in pregnancy care, based on recommendations from the Danish Health Authority.

  • Find knowledge and practical advice:
    Explore more than 400 articles and videos about pregnancy, childbirth, and life with your newborn.

The app is recommended by the Danish Health Apps Board (Nævnet for Sundhedsapps).

The app is free of charge and in Danish. I can be downloaded via App Store or Google Play.

Get your pregnancy information without the app

If you would like to access your pregnancy information but do not wish to use the app, or are unable to do so, you can contact the Danish Health Data Authority (Sundhedsdatastyrelsen). A copy of your information can be sent to your Digital Post or by regular mail.

You can also request access to your medical records directly from the healthcare provider where you are receiving or have received treatment, such as a hospital, clinic, or family doctor (GP).

Pregnant women who do not have a Danish CPR number and are therefore unable to obtain MitID will continue using the paper maternity record ('vandrejournal') throughout their pregnancy.

Preparing for the birth, labour and the moments after giving birth

Decide on the place of birth with your family doctor (GP)

You can choose to give birth:

  • At the hospital
  • At home
  • Some regions in Denmark offer birth at a maternity clinic outside the hospital.

Your family doctor (GP) and midwife can tell you about options and offers in the region you live in.

Birth at home or at a maternity clinic is only recommended if you have had an uncomplicated pregnancy, and an uncomplicated birth is expected. Pregnant women who cannot be immediately referred for home birth are offered a consultation with a specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics. Regardless of the recommendation, you always have the right to midwifery care in your own home if that is what you want. 

Free choice of hospital

In Denmark, there is free choice of hospital. This means that, in principle, you can give birth at the hospital of your choice. However, there must be room at your preferred hospital – both in the maternity ward and in the paediatric ward. You are guaranteed a place in the hospital to which you belong based on your home address.

There may be special conditions of the woman or foetus that mean that you are recommended to give birth at a different hospital than where you normally belong.

What kind of maternity care can you get?

If you have a civil registration number (CPR number), you are entitled to free midwifery and medical care during labour.

The pregnant woman can bring the child's other parent or another relative to the birth. In some cases, it is possible for a relative to stay overnight with mum and baby. Ask your midwife if you have any special requests or needs.

Vaginal birth or c-section?

A vaginal birth is generally planned if the pregnancy is uncomplicated. However, you might get a planned c-section if you have medical reasons to get it. This is something you talk about with your midwife during your consultations. 

In Denmark, approximately 20 per cent of all births are c-sections. Half of these are planned c-sections and half emergency c-sections that are performed during labour due to complications.

Free birth preparation and parenting courses at the hospital

In the last months of pregnancy, you can attend birth preparation and parenting courses. These are free courses held at the hospital. The format of the courses varies from hospital to hospital. For example, it can be a large hall with joint classes or small groups. Or it can be online videos available at the hospital's website. Ask your midwife or health visitor (sundhedsplejerske) what local programmes are available.

What do you learn during the courses?

The content of the courses is designed to reflect pregnancy, labour, birth, maternity and parenthood. That entails for instance:

  • What danger signs to look out for during pregnancy.
  • When to call the hospital, the stages of labour, the partner's role during birth and pain relief.
  • Skin-to-skin contact with both parents and establishment of breastfeeding.
  • The baby's first days, nutrition and sleep habits.
  • Relationships, the body after giving birth, sexuality and becoming a family.
  • Postpartum reactions and the offer of visits from a health visitor (sundhedsplejerske).

Find out if the municipality has special pregnancy programmes

The municipality may have targeted programmes for pregnant women and parents-to-be. Talk to your health visitor about what programmes are available in the municipality that may be relevant to you.

Birth preparation that you have to pay for yourself

There are private programmes outside the hospital that you can sign up for and have to pay for yourself. You can for instance attend birth preparation classes in water, yoga, gymnastics and much more. Find out for yourself which programmes are right for you.

Signs that labour is about to start can be:

  • Mucus from the vagina – the mucus plug has broken
  • Slightly slimy vaginal bleeding – 'sign bleeding'
  • Contractions
  • Amniotic fluid oozing or running

Call the midwife or hospital

Call your midwife or the hospital if you notice any signs that labour is about to start.

The midwife will ask you about your contractions and assess how far along in the process you are.

  • Giving birth at home: If you plan to give birth at home, a midwife will come and assist the birth.
  • Giving birth at the hospital: If you plan to give birth at the hospital, a midwife will advise you on when to come to the hospital. If you come too early, you might be sent home again to wait until you are further along in the labour process.

    Please note that you need to transport yourself to the hospital, unless it is an emergency. When you arrive at the hospital, you will be assigned a midwife who is on duty. 

In labour

The labour process varies from person to person. The labour typically lasts from a few hours to 24 hours. You are entitled to midwifery and medical care during labour. If the birth is uncomplicated, there will be one or more midwives present, no doctors (obstetricians/OB-GYNs).

It is a good idea to bring a companion to the birth, and it might also be possible for a companion to stay the night at the hospital with you and the baby.

Pain relief methods

There are different options concerning pain relief. Pain relief methods available may be massage, warm bath, oxygen, sterile water injections, acupuncture, laughing gas and local anaesthesia/epidural.

Please note that medical pain relief is only available when giving birth at the hospital, and the options available may vary from hospital to hospital, so ask your midwife during pregnancy about your options. 

First moments after birth

  • Skin-to-skin contact: Once the baby is born, they will immediately be placed on the chest of the mother with the umbilical cord attached. Skin to skin-contact (holding your baby naked against your skin) is encouraged as there are many benefits to this – for instance that your baby can hear the comforting sound of your heartbeat and voice, which helps them calm and relax. Skin-to-skin also helps boost your milk supply and stimulate your baby's feeding instincts.
  • Cleaning of the baby: The baby may be wiped but they are not bathed/cleaned.
  • Weighing, measuring and other routine procedures: Depending on the health of your baby, these can usually wait until approximately 1 hour after birth. Some of the procedures might be done while the mother holds the baby. Some procedures done in other countries will not be done in Denmark. Ask your midwife beforehand to avoid surprises. 
  • You are responsible for your baby: The baby stays with the mother/parents in the room. You care for the baby, but can of course ask the midwives for help.
  • C-section: The moments after birth might be different after a planned or emergency c-section. If the c-section is planned, or you would like to know about (emergency) c-sections, talk to your midwife about what to expect. 

More examinations of the baby

A few days after the baby is born, the hospital offers 2 examinations of the baby: a hearing test and a heel blood test (screening for congenital conditions).

Many children develop jaundice after being born. This is completely normal. It is only if your child has severe jaundice and becomes lethargic and won’t feed that they will receive light treatment in hospital. Breastfeed your child as often as possible – this helps clear the jaundice. If you have concerns, talk to a midwife, your GP or health visitor (sundhedsplejerske).

It differs how long first time and second time parents can stay at the hospital – from region to region and hospital to hospital. Talk to your midwife about your wishes and options.

First time parents

If there are no complications, and you wish to go home, you can leave the hospital approximately 4 to 6 hours after giving birth. 

If you prefer to stay at the hospital, you often have the option to stay 1 to 2 nights in the family unit at the hospital. You take care of the baby yourself, but midwives and nurses are available to help – for instance regarding breastfeeding. 

If you leave the hospital within the first 24 hours after birth, you have the right to a home visit from healthcare professionals.

Second (or more) time parents

If there are no complications, you can leave the hospital approximately 4 to 6 hours after giving birth. It is only possible to stay at the hospital in case of complications or other special circumstances.

In the course of 2025, second (or more) time parents who leave the hospital within the first 24 hours after birth will also have the right to a home visit from healthcare professionals. Talk to your midwife about the options at the hospital in which you are giving birth.

The Danish Health Authority recommends breastfeeding

The Danish Health Authority recommends full breastfeeding until your baby is around 6 months old, as breast milk is the healthiest nutrition for your baby. Partial breastfeeding is recommended until the child is 12 months or longer if both mother and child are comfortable with it.

It's normal for breastfeeding to cause problems

It's a good idea for both parents to spend some time learning about breastfeeding. For some, getting breastfeeding started is relatively easy, for others it can be challenging. It's something both mum and baby need to learn, and the other parent can provide support.

Breastfeeding can cause discomfort such as pain, sore nipples, insufficient milk or mastitis. You can get help and support with breastfeeding from your midwife, maternity nurse and health visitor (sundhedsplejerske).

Breastfeeding techniques: 4 things to help get breastfeeding started

  1. Skin-to-skin contact: Spend as much time as you can with your baby skin to skin. 
  2. Frequent breastfeeding: Put your baby to the breast when they show signs of hunger – and at least 8 times every 24 hours. 
  3. Good breastfeeding positions: Position yourself and your baby so you are both comfortable and it does not hurt when your baby sucks.
  4. A joint parenting task: Work together to make breastfeeding a success. Your partner's support is crucial – they can for instance help with finding the best positions and offer mental support.

If you cannot or do not wish to breastfeed

Talk to your midwife or health visitor (sundhedsplejerske) if you are thinking of opting out or stopping breastfeeding. The Danish Health Authority recommends breast milk over formula if possible. You may be able to milk out and bottle-feed if breastfeeding is not working for you and your baby.

There may be good reasons why you are unable or unwilling to breastfeed. A good mum is someone who makes the right decisions for herself and her family. If you don't enjoy breastfeeding, stopping may be the right decision for you and your family.

Plan your maternity/paternity leave

All parents are entitled to leave in connection with childbirth. The mother also has the right to leave in connection with pregnancy. 

During leave, parents are entitled to benefits if they meet the employment requirement:

  • All pregnant women have the right to 4 weeks leave with benefits before the birth.
  • Mothers, fathers and co-mothers have the right to 2 weeks leave with benefits in connection with the birth.
  • After the 2 weeks of leave each parent has 22 weeks with benefits, some of which can be transferred to the other parent. 

Special rules apply for single parents, who have chosen to have children alone, or for parents who did not live together when the child was born. These parents receive a different number of the leave. Other rules also apply to adoptive parents and parents in LGBT+ families.

Your rights to receive salary, benefits and other financial support depend on your employment, among other things.  

Leave with salary or benefits?

If you are a salaried employee, you may continue to be paid during all or part of your leave. If you are not a salaried employee, or you do not receive your salary during the entirety of your leave, you may be entitled to benefits.

If you are a salaried employee, talk to your workplace about your rights and options. If you are a member of a trade union, they may be able to inform and advice you regarding your rights and options concerning leave. 

When planning your leave, there are several things to remember:

  1. Tell your employer, your place of study or similar that you are going to be a parent.
  2. Find out if you are entitled to pay you during your leave.
  3. Find out if you can get leave benefits, SU (student grant), student aid or cash benefits.
  4. Find out the rules for how you and a possible partner can divide the leave between you.
  5. Decide how you and any partner want to divide the leave.
  6. Find out if you are entitled to vacation during the leave.
  7. Think about how you want to save for a pension during the leave.

More information on leave and leave with benefits:

As a general rule, both parents are entitled to 24 weeks of leave with benefits after birth if they live together when the child is born. The parents therefore have a total of 48 weeks. In certain situations, some of the weeks can be transferred to the other parent, a social parent or a close family member. 

As a rule, the leave must be taken within the child's first year, unless the parents have the right to postpone the leave. If the parent has the right to postpone the leave, it must be taken before the child turns 9.

You have the possibility of getting benefits as compensation for the income which you do not get when you are on leave. Your possibility of obtaining benefits depends on your affiliation with the labour market, meaning if you are:

  • a salaried employee on leave
  • an unemployed person on leave
  • self-employed on leave or
  • students and newly qualified on leave.

Maternity/paternity leave with benefits are administered by Udbetaling Danmark (Public Benefits Administration).

Read all about which rules apply to your specific situation:

Get help in the beginning

Transition from hospital to home

The first time as a parent can be overwhelming. If you feel unsafe or have questions and have not yet been contacted by the health visitor (sundhedsplejerske), you can contact the hospital during the first 7 days. It can be about physical and psychological issues – for both mum and baby.

If your baby is born at home

The day after the birth, you will usually get a call from a midwife asking how you are doing. Some hospitals offer home visits by a midwife the day after birth.

Between 48 and 72 hours after the birth, you will be offered a consultation with a midwife and examinations of the baby. The examinations of the baby include a hearing test and a heel blood test (screening for congenital diseases). They will also check if the baby is developing jaundice.

If you have any questions or problems after the birth, you can call the maternity ward where the birth took place or where the midwife came from within the first 7 days.

The health visitor (sundhedsplejersken) offers free home visits to all new families

A health visitor is a nurse with special training in child health and development. The health visitor will visit you on day 4 to 5 if you have been discharged within the first 72 hours after birth. If you have been hospitalised for longer than 72 hours, you will be offered a home visit no later than day 10.

The health visitor assesses your child's health, well-being and development and can provide advice on infant care, breastfeeding, sleep, crying and comfort etc. The health visitor is not there to find faults in the way you organise yourselves as a family. It is an offer of support where you as a family can ask about anything you are unsure about. 

If you accept the offer, the health visitor will visit you at least 5 times during your baby's first year. Furthermore, you can contact the health visitor if you need to. This can be about breastfeeding or other nutrition, well-being and parenting. Each municipality has its own programme regarding these visits. Check it on the municipality's website. 

Call 112

For emergency assistance in life-threatening situations or serious accidents, always call 112.

Contact your own family doctor (GP)

If you have questions about postpartum haemorrhage, medication, mastitis or cystitis, contact your GP.

Contact the out-of-hours medical helpline in your region

If your family doctor (GP) is closed – in the evening and at weekends, you can contact the out-of-hours medical helpline in your region if you have an acute illness that cannot wait until your family doctor opens.

North Denmark Region, call +45 70 15 03 00
Central Denmark Region, call +45 70 11 31 31
Region of Southern Denmark, call +45 70 11 07 07
Region Zealand, call +45 70 15 07 08
Capital Region of Denmark, call 1813

Who gets custody of the child?

The question of who gets custody of the child depends on a number of matters. 

Automatic joint custody, if you are married

  • If you are the mother of the child and married to a man, he will automatically be registered as the father of the child, and you will have joint custody.
  • If you are the mother of the child and married to a man who is not the child's father, he will still be registered as the father unless you both contact the parish or municipality where the birth is registered.

If you are separated, custody is not dealt with automatically

  • If you are the mother of the child and you are separated or have been married to another man within the last 10 months, your current husband will not automatically be registered as the father. Furthermore, the Agency of Family Law will be informed. 

If you are 2 women who are married

  • If you are 2 women who are married and have a child together, the co-parent must consent to being a co-parent before the pregnancy treatment begins. 
  • You can be a co-parent with or without custody of the child.

Register paternity and custody

If you are not married and you want joint custody and responsibility for the child, you must both fill out a declaration of paternity and custody so that the child's father is registered.

If you do not want joint custody, you must fill out the form 'Mother's information in the case' from the Agency of Family Law (Familieretshuset). The form is in Danish. However, you will always get joint custody if you have had a joint address in the CPR register within the last 10 months before the child's birth. 

Both parents must use the self-service

Use the self-service 'Declaration of care and responsibility for paternity'. Once the declaration has been approved, you will receive a confirmation in Digital Post. You can fill out the declaration of care and responsibility both before and after the birth. It's a good idea to do it before the birth in case something happens to the mother during the birth.

One parent starts by filling out the declaration of care and responsibility. Afterwards, the other parent must also sign the declaration in the self-service. It doesn't matter which parent starts.

If you fill in before the birth

If you complete the declaration of care and responsibility before the child is born, you will receive a reply in Digital Post. The response must be sent to the parish where the mother lives once the child has been assigned a CPR number. Send the reply to the parish right after the birth. If the mother lives in Southern Jutland, the reply must be sent to the municipality.

If you fill in after the birth

The deadline for completing the declaration of care and responsibility is 28 days after the birth. If you do not complete it by the deadline, the case will be sent to the Agency of Family Law, which will send a letter in Digital Post to the mother and start a paternity case.

Register co-motherhood before pregnancy and after birth

If you are 2 women who want to have a child together, the co-parent must remember to consent to being a co-parent before the pregnancy treatment begins. If you do not want joint custody, you must fill out the form 'Mother's information in the case' from the Agency of Family Law (Familieretshuset). However, you will always have joint custody if you have had a joint address in the Civil Registration System (CPR) within the last 10 months before the birth of the child. 

Fill in the form and bring it with you to the fertility treatment centre

Fill in the form that fits your situation. Remember to print and bring the 'Consent to Co-Motherhood' form with you to the fertility treatment centre. They will sign the form and you must then send it to the Agency of Family Law by email to faderskab@familieretshuset.dk.

If you are not married, you must then use the self-service 'Declaration of care and responsibility for co-motherhood' to obtain joint custody.

It is also possible to complete the declaration of care and responsibility during pregnancy. You must register the co-motherhood immediately after the birth by contacting the parish where the child's mother lives. The declaration of care and responsibility must be approved by the Agency of Family Law beforehand.

If you and the child's other parent separate during pregnancy, you must fill out the 'Declaration of care and responsibility for paternity/co-motherhood' to obtain joint custody. This does not apply if you have lived together within the last 10 months before the birth of the child.

Get to know the rules before you make agreements about children. See the Danish guide 'Når I går fra hinanden' (When you split up):

Registrations: Birth, CPR, naming etc.

Once the baby is born, a number of registrations need to take place in order for the child to receive a civil registration number (CPR number), a name, a certificate of personal data/birth and baptism certificate, passport and residence permit or EU residence document. 

The registrations need to happen in a specific order: 

  1. Registration of the birth 
  2. Registration of paternity, co-motherhood and parental custody
  3. Naming of the child
  4. Get your child a Certificate of Personal Data/Certificate of Birth and Baptism
  5. Get your child a passport
  6. Get your child a residence permit/EU residence document. 

Please note that certain circumstances will influence the birth registration process, for instance if the mother does not have a CPR number or does not have an address in Denmark. You can find more information concerning the different scenarios on personregistrering.dk:

What happens automatically?

Registration process for a child born in a hospital in Denmark:

  1. The midwife fills out a review of the birth, and the child is given a civil registration number (CPR number).
  2. The review is sent to your parish, and your local registrar registers the birth in the Civil Registration System (the registrar is your local parish – or, if the mother lives in the Southern part of Jutland, the municipality).
  3. The mother will be registered as mother in the Civil Registration System. If the parents are married, they will both be registered as parents at the registration of the birth.

Please note that certain circumstances will influence the birth registration process. You can find more information concerning the different scenarios on personregistrering.dk: 

When do you have to do something yourself?

If there is no midwife present at the birth, you must report the birth registration yourself by completing a birth notification (in Danish: fødselsanmeldelse) and deliver it to the registrar. The registrar is your local parish – or, if the mother lives in the Southern part of Jutland, the municipality. 

Find and complete the birth notification:

The parent(s) who has/have parental custody must apply for a name of their child using the digital self-service for naming on borger.dk (in Danish). If the parent(s) does/do not have MitID they can complete an application on paper.

How to use the digital self-service on borger.dk

The application for name must be signed by both parents who have shared custody within 14 days after initiation. If exceeded, you must complete a new application.

Naming your child at baptism in the Danish National Church

Is it also possible to give your child a name at a baptism ceremony in the Danish National Church. You must arrange the baptism with the priest or church office in your parish of residence. Please note if your child was born in the Southern part of Jutland, your child must be named in the municipality where the birth was registered – before the baptism ceremony.

Name your child within 6 months

Your child must have a first name and surname by the age of 6 months at the latest. If you have joint custody, you must both sign the application. If your child is not named within 6 months, it will automatically be given the mother's surname and the Agency for Family Law will be informed. 

What are you allowed to name your child?

When choosing a name for the child, it is important to make sure that the name is approved. The name must not be a disadvantage to the child.

The Certificate of Personal Data (in Danish: 'Personattest') confirms actual civil information on birth, name, marital status and death.

The certificate will include more information as additional data is registered on you. For example, a Certificate of Personal Data issued for a new-born child who has not yet been named will only include information on birth and parents, while a Certificate of Personal data issued for a deceased person will also include information on name, marital status and death/burial.

You can order your own Certificate of Personal Data and the same certificate for your child under 18 years. However, at least one of the following requirements must be fulfilled:

  • you are birth registered in Denmark
  • you are registered on the basis of international foreign adoption
  • you had a name change in Denmark after 1 April, 2006
  • in relation to death, you request a certificate as a related to a deceased who has died in Denmark. 

In order to apply for a certificate digitally you must have a Danish CPR number and MitID.

You can apply for the certificate in Danish and Danish/English.

If your child is birth registered in Denmark (outside the Southern part of Jutland) and baptised in the Danish National church (in Danish 'Folkekirken'), you are entitled to obtain a Baptism and Birth Certificate (in Danish: 'Fødsels- og dåbsattest').

The Certificate of Baptism and Birth Certificate includes information on name, birth, parents and baptism.

If your child is not baptised, you need to order a Certificate of Personal Data instead.

Your child must have their own passport if they are travelling to a country that requires a passport. This also applies to very young children.

Getting a Danish passport

Your child can get a Danish passport, if they have a Danish citizenship. A child born on or after 1 July 2014 automatically acquires Danish citizenship at birth if the father, mother or co-parent is Danish. For children born before this date, it will depend on the law that was in force when the child was born.

To order a passport for your child, the person(s) with custody must give their consent. This is done by signing in the self-service. To order the passport, you must show up in person at a Citizen Service centre (borgerservice) with the child. 

Read more about the rules for passports and apply for a Danish passport:

Getting a foreign passport

If you and your child are citizens of another country than Denmark and your child therefore needs a foreign passport, please contact the embassy or consulate of your home country. Here they can also inform you about requirements to apply for the passport.

When a baby is born in Denmark by parents who are foreign nationals, the parents need to apply for residence permit or an EU residence document for the child.

You can apply for different types of the residence permit and the EU residence document – the application depends of the parents' grounds for residence, for instance if the parents are in Denmark to work, study or have asylum in Denmark.

Before you can apply for residence permit/EU residence document, you need a number of documents for the child, for instance:

  • Certificate of Personal Data/Birth and Baptism Certificate
  • Passport.

In some instances, there is a processing fee.

You can read more about the different circumstances and apply at newtodenmark.dk:

Your child's health

All children (with civil registration numbers/CPR numbers) in Denmark are offered free health visits at the family doctor (GP). At the visits, the doctor examines the child regarding well-being and expected development according to age.

The Danish childhood vaccination programme offers free vaccinations against a number of serious diseases such as tetanus, whooping cough, measles and HPV-related cancers like anal cancer and cervical cancer. Children are vaccinated by their family doctor (GP).

Remember to book the appointments with your family doctor (GP):

  • 5 weeks after birth: Baby health visit
  • 8 weeks: Mum check-up
  • 3 months: Vaccination of child
  • 5 months: Health visit including examination and vaccination of child
  • 1 year: Health visit including examination and vaccination of child
  • 1 year and 3 months: Vaccination of child
  • 2 years: Health visit including examination of child
  • 3 years: Health visit including examination of child
  • 4 years: Health visit including examination and vaccination of child
  • 5 years: Health visit including examination and vaccination of child
  • 12 years: Vaccination of child

About 48 to 72 hours after birth, you will be offered screening tests for your baby. The child will be screened for a number of congenital metabolic diseases and cystic fibrosis through a heel blood test. You will also be offered the opportunity to have your child tested for congenital hearing impairment as well as screening for congenital cataract.

The heel blood test is taken at the hospital 48 to 72 hours after birth. The hearing test is performed within the first 10 days after birth. The 2 tests are done at the same time.

If your child has a disability, you may be entitled to compensation and support. The goal is for both you as a family and your child to live as normally as possible despite and with your child's disability.

You can receive compensation according to several different rules in the municipality. It depends on whether your child needs special daycare, special education, special aids or support at home.

Right to help and guidance from the municipality

When you become a parent of a child with a disability, you can get help and guidance about your child's current situation or about the future. The municipality is responsible for helping you with your support options.

Your health as a parent

The postpartum period can be associated with various physical and psychological changes. Some may experience bleeding, pain and afterpains. Afterpains are contractions that continue after birth as the uterus shrinks to its non-pregnant size. They usually last for 3 to 4 days.

Both the mother and the partner may experience minor as well as major emotional reactions to the new roles.

Contact the hospital if you experience complications or severe pain after labour. Contact the hospital, the health visitor (sundhedsplejerske) or your own family doctor (GP) if you experience dark thoughts, depression or similar.

If you feel the need, you have the option of a postpartum talk with a midwife. Generally, the midwife who delivered the baby will be the one participating.

The postpartum talk might take place before you leave the hospital or during the first week after birth. Some hospitals offer it in conjunction with your baby's heel blood test and hearing test, which are done at the hospital a few days after birth.

The need for a postpartum talk may arise long after giving birth. In that case, you can usually contact the hospital and make an appointment for a postpartum talk.

8 weeks after your birth, you should be examined by your family doctor (GP). Remember to book the appointment yourself. At the appointment, you will be offered a medical examination and have a conversation with your doctor (GP).

The purpose of the appointment is to round off your pregnancy and labour. Your doctor will assess how you are feeling both physically and mentally after giving birth – and talk about the well-being of the family in general. The doctor will talk to you about contraception and check for any stitches and whether your uterus has fully contracted as it should.

What is postpartum depression?

Having a baby to care for is a big change, and for some, it can feel overwhelming. This situation can develop into postpartum depression. The symptoms of postpartum depression include sadness, crying or thoughts of suicide. Both parents can suffer from postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression can be treated. Talk to your family doctor (GP) or health visitor (sundhedsplejerske) if you have any symptoms.

In most municipalities, the health visitor offers an examination for signs of postpartum depression 8 weeks after birth, so you can get help as soon as possible.

When should you seek help?

Contact your family doctor or health visitor if you have symptoms of postpartum depression.

If you need help urgently, you can call 112 or the emergency medical centre/emergency department. Your symptoms might for instance be suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming your baby.

The health visitor will talk about mental well-being and signs of postpartum depression as part of the visits with you. It is important to seek help if you or your partner have symptoms of postpartum depression. This also applies if it occurs after the examination or if you have not been offered an examination.

Phone number for the medical helpline in every region in Denmark:

  • North Denmark Region, call +45 70 15 03 00
  • Central Denmark Region, call +45 70 11 31 31
  • Region of Southern Denmark, call +45 70 11 07 07
  • Region Zealand, call +45 1818
  • Capital Region of Denmark, call 1813

Childcare, mum groups and other relevant information

Public daycare facilities

According to the Daycare Act, the municipality must provide a place in a daycare facility for all children older than 26 weeks. If you want your child to attend childcare in a public daycare facility, you must enrol your child.

It varies from municipality to municipality when your child can be enrolled. In some municipalities, you can enrol your child as soon as they are born. Check the municipality's website to find out what applies in your municipality. Contact a daycare facility directly if you want to visit it before you register your child.

You can enrol your child through the self-service 'Digital pladsanvisning' (Digital Placement) or through the municipality's website.

Waiting lists

You have the right to be placed on a waiting list for a specific daycare facility of your choice. However, it is not certain that the child can get a place in the desired daycare facility as it depends among other things on the length of the waiting list. Your child's place on the waiting list may be affected by children with special needs and siblings.

Sibling subsidy

The municipality provides sibling subsidy. Check the municipality's website for what applies in the municipality.

Alternatives to daycare facilities

With private daycare provision, parents and a private childminder enter into an agreement on caring for one or more children. Contact the specific childminder to enrol your child.

You can choose to look after your child at home. Some municipalities offer a subsidy for minding your own child. Each municipality determines the financial subsidy and the age group that can receive the support. Check the municipality's website to read about the possibilities in the municipality.

Guaranteed childcare

According to the Daycare Act, the municipality must provide a place in a daycare facility for all children older than 26 weeks that is appropriate for their age until the child starts school. You have to be aware that the municipality has 4 weeks to offer a place in a daycare facility, so if you want a place immediately in connection with the 26 weeks, you have to enrol in good time. 

The childcare guarantee does not guarantee a place in a specific daycare facility. However, you can request admission to a specific daycare facility in the municipality.

If you use the childcare guarantee place in a daycare facility, you still have the right to remain on the waiting list for the requested daycare facility.

Mum groups (and father groups and parental groups)

Through the health visitor, the mother of the child is – in many municipalities – offered to attend a mum group from around 1 month of age. Some municipalities also offer father groups and parental groups.

Some new parents choose to form similar groups with friends who have also just had a baby – some look for likeminded people through social media. 

Talk to your health visitor (sundhedsplejerske) about the your possibilities. 

Activities with your baby

There are a wide range of both public and private activities designed for parents on maternity, paternity or parental leave. These include activities that focus on your child's development, such as baby swimming, baby hymn singing in the local church, baby music and sensory classes and playgroups.

Other activities can for instance be yoga classes or classes at a fitness centre specifically tailored to take your baby with you, or choir singing or cinema screenings where babies are welcome.

Search online, check the municipality's website or contact your health visitor (sundhedsplejerske) to find out about possibilities near you.

Child and youth benefits

Most families with children in Denmark automatically receive child and youth benefits once every quarter of the year. Certain rules apply in order for you to receive these benefits:

Other benefits

As a parent you may be entitled to other benefits. This depends on the specific situation.

These benefits can for instance be:

The Danish Health Authority

The Danish Health Authority has made a number of leaflets concerning pregnancy, birth and young children. Most material is available in Danish, but some is also available in English or other languages such as Somali, Arabic, Ukrainian and Polish:

The Capital Region of Denmark

Region of Southern Denmark

A part of Your Europe

Written by lifeindenmark.dk, Danish Health Authority, Ministry of Health and Ecclesiastical Affairs of Denmark, Ministry of Children, Senior Citizens and Housing, Agency of Family Law, ATP/Udbetaling Danmark, Danish Health Data Authority, Rigspolitiet, Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), Ministry of Social Affairs and Ministry of Employment and Gender Equality

Last updated: 21 August 2026

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