Postpartum Check Ups: What To Expect
By: Sarah D
Tags: Doctors, Mothers, Pregnancy, Motherhood, Postpartum

Many people find visits to the doctor to be tiring if not outright intimidating. It can be nerve-wracking to get examined and judged especially when you’ve recently delivered a baby and are not at your best. But that’s the point of a postpartum check-up. To ensure that you are doing well after the birth, to nip any budding problems, and to resolve any other issues that have arisen.

Traditionally your check-up would have occured 4 to 6 weeks after delivery but now doctors are suggesting that it be as early as 2 weeks and no later than 12 with regular check-ups as required. But if you have pre-existing health conditions, a complicated birth, or a history of mental health issues it is not uncommon to have earlier or multiple check-ups.

Just because it’s normal to experience some discomfort during the postpartum phase doesn’t mean that there aren’t signs of budding underlying issues. The purpose of these check-ups is to create a personalized health plan for yourself as no two women or births are the same.

Standard practices include checking your weight, uterus size, and blood pressure. Special attention will be given to your breasts especially if you’re breastfeeding as they’ll want to ensure that milk ducts aren’t being blocked or infected. Be sure to report any inflammation, itchiness, or lumps.

Internally they’ll also want to know how your bathroom habits have been like. They’ll be checking for issues such as constipation, irregular bowels, or the dreaded urine leaks. Kegel exercises can help but only to an extent so make sure you get everything checked out.

Your healthcare provider will also need to do a pelvic examination to check up on your cervix, uterus, and vagina so expect a pap smear. They’ll want to check up on any internal tears you may have had to ensure they’re healing properly. They will also check your thyroid to ensure that it has settled down. During your pregnancy the gland has been working hard to produce the necessary hormones but post-pregnancy an overactive thyroid will simply result in symptoms like anxiety and fatigue.

If you had a cesarean birth or c-section it might be advisable to check in after two weeks to ensure that your incision is healing properly and has not become infected. If you had stitches during the operation they’ll also check that they’re healing as they can take up to months to completely heal up.

You may also want to discuss birth control options if you aren’t wanting to get pregnant again immediately. However if you are wanting to get pregnant immediately now is the time to talk about any problems you encountered during your most recent pregnancy. This way you can work together to overcome and mitigate these problems as they are likely to occur again. Examples include premature births, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and depression

Now is also a good time to express your feelings of being a new Mom. Remember that it is perfectly acceptable to feel stress out and fatigued during this period. On the other hand, feelings of prolonged sadness might be a sign of postpartum depression and may require specialized treatment. Postpartum depression isn’t limited to feelings of sadness. It can manifest as anxiety, feelings of isolation, or mood swings.

They’ll also make sure that your vaccinations are still up-to-date. As your baby is unable to get vaccinated yet they are relying on you to ensure that you don’t unintentionally pass on any illnesses to them. Especially those that are easily preventable.

Exercise will help rebuild muscles and combat stress while also allowing you to sleep more easily at night. You may also feel uncomfortable with the appearance of your body and being physically active will go a long way to returning you to your pre-pregnancy look. This will be the perfect time to ask your physician when and how much exercise and activity is right for you and your body.

Depending on your condition you may find it helpful in assembling a team of experts as you recover. These healthcare experts aren’t limited to assisting you but can also include professionals for both you and your baby. These include pediatricians, neonatologists who help with premature babies, or night nurses who can assist you from within the comfort of your own home.

Other experts include nutritionists for a personalized diet as well as supplements and vitamins that you should be taking. Lactation consultants assist with problems such as milk flow, concerns with latching, and of course breastfeeding. And even having a therapist for emotional and mental help are completely valid.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for assistance during some of the most stressful parts of your newborn’s life. Sometimes having a friend or family member watch over your baby while you decompress for an hour can make all the difference.

What some people don’t realize is that postpartum check-ups also apply to Mothers who have experienced loss. It will be painful to discuss a stillbirth, neonatal death, or a miscarraige but these discussions are important especially if you’re planning on trying again in the future.

At this check-up your healthcare professionals will try and learn what happened which will help determine if future pregnancies will carry the same risks. It is not uncommon for a genetic counselor to be present as they can assist with understanding your family’s genetic history.

Although the difficult part of pregnancy and labour are done and you are now a new mother, this check up is very important for your well-being after having a baby and helps you plan and discuss your reproductive plans with your doctor. Your whole world may be your baby right now, but it is imperative you care for yourself as well as your health. Your postpartum check up is an a significant step to helping you get back on your feet.