Your six-week postpartum check-up: Essential insights for new moms
The six-week check-up is your medical clearance and your personalised plan for the next phase of recovery.
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Congratulations, mom! You've made it through the whirlwind of the first six weeks.
If you're currently wearing the same tracksuit pants for the third day in a row, surviving on lukewarm tea, and feeling a complex mix of intense joy, exhaustion, and maybe a little fear, you are absolutely normal.
Those early weeks can be a beautiful blur.
You're adjusting to a new identity, mastering the art of doing things with one hand, and operating on surprisingly little sleep.
It’s an enormous transition. Your body is recovering from a monumental event, and your mind is trying to catch up.
Those first few weeks can be exciting and exhausting.
Image: Sarah Chai / Pexels
Amidst the countless nappy changes and cuddles, your six-week postpartum check-up is a crucial milestone, marking the official end of your initial recovery period.
This appointment is much more than just a quick physical; it’s a comprehensive wellness check.
Your gynaecologist or obstetrician is there to ensure your body has healed well and to support your mental and emotional health as you step into motherhood.
What your doctor will be checking for
Your healthcare provider will be thorough, addressing both physical recovery and emotional well-being.
Here’s a breakdown of the key areas they will focus on:
Physical healing and recovery
Uterine involution: Your doctor will feel your abdomen to check that your uterus has returned to its normal, pre-pregnancy size. After delivery, the uterus begins a shrinking process called involution. By six weeks, it should generally be back in your pelvis.
Lochia (postpartum bleeding): They will ask about any remaining discharge or bleeding. By this point, most women have stopped the postpartum discharge, or it is very minimal. Persistent heavy bleeding can indicate a need for further evaluation.
Vaginal health: If you had a vaginal delivery, your doctor will examine any tears, lacerations, or episiotomy sites to ensure they have healed properly. They will check for signs of infection or complications.
C-Section incision: For those who had a Cesarean birth, the doctor will carefully examine the incision site to confirm it is fully healed, looking for any redness, swelling, or tenderness that could signal an infection.
Comprehensive pelvic assessment
Pelvic floor strength: While a full physical exam may not always include a strenuous test, your doctor will likely discuss the strength and function of your pelvic floor.
They will ask about issues like urine leakage (incontinence), which is common, and discuss exercises like Kegels to help you regain control.
Vaginal and cervical health: A speculum exam might be performed to check the general health of your vagina and cervix. They'll ensure there are no masses or concerning issues.
Future family planning
Birth control options: This is a vital conversation. Your doctor will discuss when it is safe to resume sexual activity and the best birth control options for you and your partner, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Future pregnancies: While it might be the last thing on your mind, they may briefly discuss spacing future pregnancies to help ensure the best health outcomes for you and any future babies.
Emotional well-being
Screening for Postpartum Depression (PPD): This is one of the most critical parts of the appointment. Your doctor will administer a simple screening questionnaire, like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).
They will ask about your sleep, energy levels, feelings of sadness, anxiety, or intrusive thoughts. It is essential to be honest. PPD and postpartum anxiety are common and highly treatable, but you need to share your struggles to get the right help.
Support system: They will ask about your support network and how you are coping with the demands of motherhood.
Prepare for our appointment
Write down your questions: Keep a running list of everything you've wondered about since delivery. Whether it’s about pain, feeding, sleep, sex, mood, anything at all. Don't leave without answers.
Be honest about your feelings: If you’re struggling emotionally, this is the time to speak up. Your doctor is there to help, not to judge.
Discuss your activity level: Get the official "all clear" to resume higher-impact exercise, or get recommendations for gentle ways to start moving your body again.