Postpartum Six Week Checkup – What to Expect

5 min read

Written by Suma R P

Suma R P

M.Sc (Organic Chemistry) Rayalaseema University B.Sc (Biotechnology) Sri Krishna Devaraya University.

Suma is an ardent lover of nature and poetry and attributes her writing skills to the combination of both. She regularly follows other writers and orators in the same field which helps her expand her horizons in the field of pregnancy and parenting.

Postpartum Six Week Checkup

After a rollercoaster of nine months of pregnancy, your body will slowly go back to being normal. It needs help to cope, and your doctor can reassure you about your health after delivery. Your well-being is required to look after your bundle of joy who just came into the world and to be able to experience wonderful motherhood. You may sometimes feel locked up nursing the baby, and you forget about how you sense being a mother. Hence, a postpartum doctor appointment is crucial, and you should not miss it.

Make sure not to skip your appointment with your healthcare provider after you have given birth. It also helps in avoiding unnecessary complications of postpartum. We understand that a question rings at the back of your mind when you are feeling well, “Do I Need a six-week postpartum check?”. Our article provides you with all the required answers.

In This Article

What is a Postpartum Checkup?
Why is Postpartum Checkup Important?
When Should You Expect a Postpartum Checkup?
How to Prepare For Your Postpartum Checkups?
What Happens at Your Six Week Postpartum Checkup?
FAQ’s

What is a Postpartum Checkup?

A postpartum checkup is a physical and mental examination done by your OBGYN to ensure your wellness after delivery. Your doctor will check on your internal organs like the uterus, intestines, and bladder as these are the most affected organs during the whole pregnancy phase. A subtle check of your breasts for blocked milk ducts and bacterial infections as lactation can sometimes be a painful process at the beginning. A postpartum appointment also includes a surface checkup of your mental health. Doctors may enquire about how you feel handling the baby.

If you have had a C-Section, your doctor will check on your stitches to see if they are healing well. They may also ask you if you have had any bleeding postpartum. Let them know if you experience pain around the perineum or if you have had an episiotomy during delivery. It is vital to talk about everything that you are experiencing with a new life in your hand. Your doctor can help you get the reassurance you need without judging you.

Why is Postpartum Checkup Important?

postpartum depression

Missing your postpartum check appointment can lead to uninvited problems like stress and postpartum depression. Ignored C-Section stitches and episiotomy may lead to infections. You should also let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding or formula feeding. It can give them a chance to guide you on the right path on scheduling the proper timings to formula feed your baby.

[Read : Postpartum Infections And Complications Overview]

When Should You Expect a Postpartum Checkup?

Usually, your OBGYN will schedule a postpartum checkup in the sixth week after the delivery. If you have had a C-Section, ensure you get an appointment in the third week after delivery. Regular screening can help you avoid infections and other mental health problems.

Post-delivery, you are a whole human being again as your body slowly tries to get back to its original state. Hence, it is crucial to get a regular screening until everything is smooth. You can have a regular follow-up if you are too concerned about your healing process. Reassurance from your doctor can help you gain the strength to handle this new phase.

How to Prepare For Your Postpartum Checkups?

women with doctor

Here is list of few things that will help you in preparing for your postpartum checkups:

List out all your questions and concerns and check them one by one in front of your doctor.
You may also want to raise a concern about breastfeeding if you have trouble pumping the milk.
Prefer to see your doctor alone than set an appointment with your baby’s regular checkups.
It can help you get some time for yourself from the routine you are going through.
An individual appointment can also help you gain confidence and boosts you with that much-needed break.
Let your doctor know if you have any vaginal discharge, bleeding or spotting, fluid coming out of stitches, extreme constipation, and urinary incontinence.
Do not hesitate to inform the doctor about your mental health post-delivery.
Reassurance of your mental and physical health from your doctor is much-needed energy for you to look after your bundle of joy.

[Read : Postpartum Constipation]

What Happens at Your Six Week Postpartum Checkup?

Here are a few things you can expect at your six-week postpartum check

Your doctor may conduct a physical examination of the breasts for blocked milk ducts and abdomen for its tenderness.
They will check your blood pressure to make sure everything is fine.
An ultrasound of your internal organs like the uterus and bladder to see if they are healing the way they should be.
Blood work to check your hormone levels, if there were any thyroid complications during pregnancy.
Thyroid gland examination to see if there is any swelling.
Your doctor may also check your blood sugar levels if you have had complications like gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
They may also enquire about your mental health and your ability to cope with the stress you are going through.
Once they are sure that everything is fine with your health, your doctor will let you know about your exercise routine.

All is well if a mother is healthy. Your health is crucial, and it needs regular screening after all the pain it has gone through. Get a break to revitalize yourself to start everything all over again. Unbiased and non-judgmental support is what you can get from your OBGYN. So, make sure not to miss your postpartum checkup.

FAQ’s

1. Can I Take My Baby to My Postpartum Checkups?

Yes, you can take your baby to your postpartum checkups. Your GP may conduct a regular health checkup for your baby during your appointment.

2. Is Postpartum Bleeding Normal?

In the process of getting back to normalcy, your body goes through so many changes. Postpartum vaginal bleeding is one of them, and it is normal. However, it is vital to talk to your doctor about the amount of bleeding you experience during your postpartum health checkups.

3. When Can I Start Exercising Again?

Resuming your exercise depends on your post-delivery health. It is vital to consult the doctor before you start your exercise routine.

Suma R P,M.Sc (Organic Chemistry) Rayalaseema University B.Sc (Biotechnology) Sri Krishna Devaraya University.

Suma is a passionate content writer with a strong keenness to understand the miracle of pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Suma has successfully transitioned into a full-time content writer and a key contributor at Being The Parent. She leverages on her experimental background in chemistry and experience in writing to come up with well-researched content that helps parents struggling to deal with various medical conditions of their children.Read more.

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