A postpartum checkup is a medical checkup that women go through immediately after giving birth to ensure they’re recuperating well from labor and delivery. Every new mom must go for a medical checkup no later than 10 weeks after giving birth since women are more vulnerable to life-threatening health complications right after giving birth.
While it is universally accepted that giving birth is extremely hard for any mother, the postpartum period can be equally mentally and physically challenging. This initial six-week phase, also known as the puerperium period, commonly includes symptoms such as pain in different areas of the body, vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramping, difficulty urinating and constipation. All of these go away with time, but it is incredibly important to schedule a postpartum checkup six weeks after giving birth.
In fact, new guidelines have been set by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Women should ideally get their initial postpartum checkup approximately three weeks after giving birth, another at six weeks and a more comprehensive visit approximately 12 weeks postpartum. This post will explain some of the typical symptoms mentioned above as well as what goes on during a postpartum checkup.
Common Postpartum Symptoms
Common postpartum symptoms among women vary greatly, as well as women’s recovery times and lasting effects on the body. The physical changes to the body, such as pain, bleeding, abdominal cramping, difficulty urinating and constipation all dissipate rather quickly.
Pain in the body after delivering a child is usually felt around the vagina, lower back, stomach and breasts. Bleeding is usually limited to the vaginal area. Abdominal cramping can be felt in both the stomach and uterine areas.
On the other hand, common non-physical symptoms such as postpartum depression and mood swings can be present. These can be much harder to diagnose and treat at your postpartum checkups, so it’s incredibly important to be upfront with your doctor about how you are feeling about how childbirth went, your child and your life now.
You should also ask any question you have, as all questions are important and you’re likely not the first person to have them. Additionally, it is entirely natural to have feelings of depression and general sadness for up to two weeks postpartum, but if those feelings persist, it could be an indication that other issues are causing the feelings of sadness.
5 Reasons Why Your Postpartum Checkup Matters
The postpartum period is a sensational and vibrant time in a woman’s life. The doctor plays a significant role in ensuring new moms have a smooth transition through this period. Below are some of the reasons why postpartum visits matter.
New moms are expected to recover fully within six weeks after delivery. Your provider will examine you to ensure you are healing as expected. Your provider will check if your uterus has returned to its pre-pregnancy size, and if you went through a c-section, the incision would be checked to find out whether it is fully healed. Your doctor may also recommend a pelvic exam.
Your postpartum checkup is an appropriate opportunity for checking whether your vital organs have gone back to their normal condition. Pregnancy can cause damage to your bladder, intestines and other parts of your body.
Your doctor will check whether you have urinating challenges and inquire about your urination patterns. You may be required to do a urine test to check if your bladder has any problems. Most new moms experience stress incontinence and leaking urine after delivery. If you have major challenges, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist.
Giving birth is associated with strong emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. However, most new moms may experience something unpleasant and unexpected—depression. Roughly 10 to 15 percent of new moms suffer from an extreme and long-lasting form of depression, commonly known as postpartum depression, which happens within the first week after delivery.
The postpartum checkup is paramount since your doctor will assess the signs and symptoms of depression, identify whether they are mild or severe and make a treatment plan based on the findings. Some of these signs and symptoms include the following:
- Having challenges bonding with the baby
- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
- Extreme irritability and anger
- Severe mood swings such as anxiety, persistent sadness or unnecessary crying
- Overwhelming fatigue
- Reduced interest or desire to do the things you once enjoyed
The postpartum checkup is the time that your doctor will advise on whether to resume sex or exercising. Your provider will discuss birth control options so that you can heal completely from pregnancy and bond with your baby before you get another one.
Your provider will also discuss planning for your next pregnancy, healthy eating and having a comprehensive medical checkup before you get pregnant again.
Most women experience breastfeeding challenges, which range from inadequate milk supply to a baby’s inability to latch. If you have these challenges, this is an ideal opportunity to discuss these concerns with your doctor since he or she already understands this.
Optimize Postpartum Checkups
The period after birth is critical for both mother and baby. To optimize women’s and their infants’ well-being, postpartum care should be a continuous process rather than a one-time visit. New moms are encouraged to maintain contact with their gynecologists or care providers within the first weeks after birth.
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