Postpartum Check Up

The aim of the postpartum check up is to review your physical and mental health. We will discuss any health issues you may have had during pregnancy, the events of your birth and any complications arising from this, arrange any tests or ongoing treatment required, and discuss family planning for the future.

Physical Symptoms

• Would healing - We will review any wounds you may have and check their healing.
• Diastasis recti – We will review your abdomen and advise whether you need physio.
• Vaginal bleeding—Lochia after childbirth should have stopped by six weeks. If ongoing or purulent, we will discuss this.
• Bladder function—Leaking small amounts of urine when you cough or sneeze? If urinary symptoms are severe and/or persist, we will assess whether further treatment is needed.
• Bowel function—if you have ongoing constipation, faecal incontinence or haemorrhoids this is a good opportunity to discuss these issues.
• Breastfeeding— We will inquire if you are breastfeeding or formula feeding, ask how it is going and offer you advice if needed.
• Pregnancy complications – If you had any issues such as gestational diabetes, anaemia or pre-eclampsia we will discuss what this means for the future and any medication or tests required.

Sexual Intercourse and Contraception

• Sex– You can have sexual intercourse again when you feel emotionally and physically ready. Usually, it takes a few weeks for any perineal stitches to heal, and it may take longer for you to feel interested in resuming sexual intercourse. If intercourse is painful, a lubricant may help. If you are still having issues, then this is a good opportunity to discuss this.

• Contraception— If you wish to avoid pregnancy, then even if you aren’t having periods, you should be using contraception. We can discuss the best options for you taking into account how soon you may want another baby.

Emotional Symptoms

• Mood—If you feel you need to, we can discuss your mood and explore issues such as postnatal depression.

• Labour and birth—We can discuss how your experience was of birth and arrange a debrief with your midwife or obstetrician if necessary.

Duration of Appointment

Approximately 30 minutes