Your body has gone through significant changes during pregnancy and childbirth. The first checkup after delivering your baby is crucial. Here's what you can expect during your first appointment postpartum.
When Should My First Postpartum Checkup Happen?
Guidelines for when new mothers should see their provider have recently changed. In the past, most women only visited their provider once, between four to six weeks postpartum. New guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AGOC) advise visiting your provider as needed following childbirth, with a final checkup no later than 12 weeks postpartum.
Based on these new guidelines, women who did not have complications during their pregnancy or childbirth should schedule their first checkup within three weeks of birth, with additional visits scheduled as needed. If you had high blood pressure during pregnancy, a checkup should happen sooner—between 3-10 days—to ensure no complications, such as postpartum preeclampsia, occur. People who delivered via C-section may schedule a visit around two weeks after birth so their provider can assess their incision site and healing.
Always talk to your provider about when to schedule your first postpartum checkup, as every provider (and office) may handle these appointments in a different manner, and every patient had uniwur needs.
Why Are Postpartum Checkups So Important?
Checkups after giving birth are a big milestone in your postpartum journey. While the main focus during pregnancy is often on the health and well-being of the baby, it's incredibly important to prioritize your own health after childbirth. Postpartum checkups allow your provider to assess your physical and emotional well-being, address any concerns or questions you may have, and provide guidance for a smooth recovery.
What Will Happen at My Postpartum Appointments?
The focus of postpartum checkups is to ensure you're recovering not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. Your provider should take time to discuss your mental health as you adjust to being a new mom. Appointments will include:
- Physical Examination: Your provider will conduct a physical examination to ensure your body is healing properly and that there are no warning signs of postpartum complications. This involves checking vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate, as well as assessing your abdominal area and the size of your uterus as it shrinks back to normal.
- Pelvic Exam: Your provider typically conducts a pelvic examination to ensure your vagina, uterus, and cervix are healing. They will also check repairs to the perineum (due to vaginal tearing or an episiotomy).
- Breast Health: If you're breastfeeding, your provider may check the health of your breasts and ask questions about whether nursing is going smoothly. If needed, your provider can refer you to a lactation consultant who can help with proper latch techniques, positions, and tips for managing common breastfeeding challenges.
- Mental and Emotional Wellbeing: Postpartum mental health is one of the most important things your provider will assess. Your care team will inquire about your emotional wellbeing, and ask about any feelings of anxiety, depression, or mood changes. While it's normal to feel exhausted and experience what's known as the "baby blues" postpartum, it's incredibly important to be open and honest with your provider if you have strong feelings of sadness or worry. Your provider is there to help you and can help create a treatment plan if you're suffering from postpartum depression or anxiety.
- Birth Control and Family Planning: Whether or not you're planning on having another baby in the near future, your provider will discuss the best birth control options based on your family planning goals, including those that are safe to use while breastfeeding. If you're interested in an intrauterine device (IUI), your provider may even be able to insert it at one of your postpartum appointments.
- Sex: Your provider will ask questions about your sexual health, and let you know when it's safe to return to sexual activity. After you've been cleared to return to sex, your provider may also ask about whether you have pain, lack of interest, or any other issues related to sex postpartum.
- Nutrition and Exercise: Your provider may offer advice on maintaining a balanced diet to support breastfeeding and postpartum recovery, as well as gradually introducing exercise into your routine. Remember, your body needs time to recover, so start with gentle activities and progress as you feel comfortable.
Your body went through an incredible transformation during pregnancy and birth. Healing takes time, and it's important to prioritize your own health alongside your baby's. As you embark on this new chapter of motherhood, take time to care for yourself—both physically and mentally—so you can continue to provide the love and care your newborn needs.
If you have any questions or concerns about your postpartum recovery, contact your provider right away. If you have changes in vision, a constant severe headache, high blood pressure, severe vomiting, or swilling in the face or hands in the days or weeks postpartum, seek immediate medical care.